Beginning between ages 45 and 55, Menopause can be a difficult transition for women. With this change, many experience physical and emotional symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and fatigue. Hormone management can help reduce these symptoms to make this stage of life much more manageable. Before you start searching for “menopause treatment near me,” it’s important to do some research on the subject. Let’s take a look at what hormone management is and how our hormone specialist Raleigh NC can help you manage your menopause symptoms.
What is Hormone Therapy?
Hormone therapy (HT) is also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It involves taking hormones to replace those that are lost during menopause. There are two forms of HRT: systemic and low-dose vaginal products. Systemic HRT options include high doses of oral medications, patches, gels, rings, creams, and sprays meant to treat an array of menopausal issues. Low-dose vaginal products treat vaginal and urinary issues at the source, and are, as the name suggests, lower in estrogen. Depending on your individual needs and goals for treatment, your hormone specialist Raleigh NC will recommend the best type of hormone therapy for you.
What Are the Benefits of Hormone Therapy?
Research has shown that hormone therapy can provide a host of benefits for women going through menopause. For example, it can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats as well as improve sleep quality and libido. Hormone management with our hormone specialist Raleigh NC may also provide relief from vaginal dryness and reduce the risk of heart disease, dementia, and osteoporosis. It is important to note that while hormone therapy has been shown to have many positive effects on women’s health during menopause, it also carries risks.
What Are the Risks of Hormone Therapy?
When considering whether or not to seek hormone therapy with a hormone specialist Raleigh NC, it’s important to consider both the potential benefits and risks associated with this form of treatment. If you haven’t had your uterus removed, it’s important to take progesterone or progestin along with your estrogen treatment. The increase in hormones can cause blood clots, and strokes in some cases. If treated for five years or more, there is also an associated risk of breast cancer development. Many of these risks depend on factors such as:
- Age: women who are 60+ or more than 10 years older than they were when they started menopause are more likely to develop a condition as stated above.
- Health history: personal and family history of medical conditions are major factors in the type of hormone therapy that you’re going to receive.
- Type of hormone therapy: the types of hormones you’re taking (estrogen alone or with progestin) can impact the risks and complications.
What Are the Alternatives To Hormone Therapy?
Whether it’s due to a medical condition or just personal preference, some women prefer not to take hormones. Luckily, there are some alternative ways you can treat menopausal symptoms. If you suffer from hot flashes, you can cut them down by limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake and by practicing relaxing techniques that can limit stress and anxiety. If you have developed painful intercourse and vaginal dryness, this can be relieved by lubricant or pain medications.
NCCRM | Hormone Specialist Raleigh NC
Menopause can be challenging, but there are ways to manage the symptoms so that they are less disruptive in day-to-day life. With proper guidance from our hormone specialist Raleigh NC, hormone management can provide much-needed relief from uncomfortable side effects during this natural transition. If you’re looking for menopause treatment near me, you’re in good hands. To learn more about hormonal therapy or to schedule your consultation, visit our website today!
