Your Guide to the Basics of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause

Woman wearing pink opening pills packaging

Whether you’re approaching menopause or currently experiencing it, you’re likely familiar with the myriad of potentially difficult symptoms of this major transition. As your estrogen levels decline, you may encounter hot flashes (which occur in 75% of women), sleep challenges, and mood changes, to name a few. While there are lifestyle adjustments that can ease symptoms, for many women, true relief lies in starting medication.

Here, we’re covering the basics of hormone replacement therapy for menopause to help you decide if it’s right for you.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses medication to deliver hormones your body can no longer produce in sufficient quantities on its own. This is especially helpful during  perimenopause — when your ovaries gradually stop producing eggs — and menopause, when your periods stop completely.

HRT for menopause involves supplementing your body with two key hormones responsible for bodily functions: estrogen and progesterone. While the decline in these hormones is a natural part of menopause, it also brings a variety of disruptive symptoms, both physical and emotional. Mood changes like depression, anxiety, and irritability, for example, are common and can range from mild to severe. Menopause also accelerates bone loss and may present cardiac risks, due to factors like higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Though there are some risks and side effects to discuss with your gynecologist and general practitioner, hormone replacement therapy can help replenish the lost hormones and regulate many of these symptoms for greater overall wellness — as well as providing other benefits.

What Does HRT Do for Menopause?

If you’re experiencing moderate to severe symptoms, taking HRT for menopause could be life-changing. For example, it’s the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. It may also improve your sleep overall, alleviate vaginal dryness, and help with mood changes.

HRT can also provide additional health-promoting benefits. For example, women who take HRT have a significantly lower risk of developing diabetes, as well as a 63% reduced risk of colon cancer. Further, even just a few years of HRT can have a long-term protective effect on bone density.

What Are the Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy?

There two main types of hormone therapy for menopause that can both address many uncomfortable and frustrating symptoms:

  • Combined HRT: This type provides both estrogen and progesterone, and is usually prescribed for women with an intact uterus to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer associated with estrogen-only therapy.
  • Estrogen-only therapy: This treatment can be prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy, as removal of the uterus eliminates the risk of endometrial cancer.

Additionally, there are several methods available for delivering HRT, including:

  • Oral tablets
  • Vaginal creams, rings, or tablets
  • Implants
  • Transdermal patches, gels, or sprays

A close conversation with your gynecologist and/or family doctor can help determine the method that is best for your lifestyle and other whole-health considerations.

Is Hormone Therapy for Menopause Right for You?

There are many factors to weigh when deciding whether to take HRT for menopause. Risks and benefits depend on variables like when you start treatment, which type you use, your symptom severity, and whether you have an elevated risk of other conditions such as breast cancer. Our providers can talk you through all of these specific considerations to help you reach a decision.

In general, HRT may be right for you if:

  • Your moderate to severe symptoms are disruptive to day-to-day activities
  • Are within 10 years of menopause onset, or are under 60 — when the benefits of HRT are greatest
  • Your personal or family history don’t indicate health susceptibilities for cancer, stroke, heart disease, or blood clots, as certain forms of HRT have been associated with an increased risk of these conditions

Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can be as diverse and unique as our own personalities, which is why personalized treatment and consideration is so important. Whether you’re considering HRT for menopause or experiencing another change in your reproductive health, our women’s health specialists are here to serve your unique needs. Request an appointment with one of our caring providers by sending us a message or by calling (404) 352-2850.