Two Physicians From Avant Gynecology Recognized Among Atlanta’s Top Doctors in Modern Luxury Medicine + Doctors and The Atlantan Magazines

Two physicians from Avant Gynecology appear on the Atlanta’s Top Doctors list in the January issue of Modern Luxury Medicine + Doctors magazine and in the June issue of The Atlantan magazine. Drs. Lynley S. Durrett and Obiamaka Mora receive the honor, which annually recognizes notable physicians among the area’s healthcare landscape. 

“Our ultimate goal is to be a trustworthy resource for gynecological care for women of all ages,” says Dr. Lynley Durrett. “We’re honored to receive this recognition and are inspired to continue being an example of best practices in action.” 

Modern Luxury Medicine + Doctors and The Atlantan magazines use a database of top doctors compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., an established healthcare research company based in New York. Each physician included is chosen through peer nomination, research, and a stringent vetting process. The publications feature more than 2,000 Top Doctors and more than 50 Rising Stars representing the following counties: Bartow, Bibb, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dawson, Decatur, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Greene, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Oconee, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, and Spalding. 

To schedule an appointment call 404-352-2850 or book online.

Dr. Lynley S. Durrett is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG). Durrett’s professional expertise includes minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques with interests in vaginal prolapse treatment, pelvic reconstructive surgery, symptomatic fibroid management, endometriosis management, managing urologic conditions, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Durrett has been selected by her peers every year as one of Atlanta magazine’s “Top Docs” since 2010. 

Dr. Obiamaka Mora is board certified in the practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG). Her professional expertise includes minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques with interests in pelvic reconstructive surgery, symptomatic fibroid management, endometriosis management, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Mora is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), and the Georgia OB/GYN Society. 

Avant Gynecology provides exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives while staying at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery. The practice’s physicians offer a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, and ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation; as well as minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgical procedures. Serving generations of women for more than 40 years, Avant Gynecology serves patients at Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead. 

Your Guide to Healthy Menstrual Hygiene Habits

Getting your period can understandably add extra hassle to your life. Between cramps, mood swings, and managing blood flow, it’s not exactly a highlight of the month. But while it may not be the most pleasant experience, practicing healthy menstrual hygiene can make it more manageable and help you feel more in control of your cycle.

Whether you’ve just started menstruating, you’re supporting someone who has, or you simply want to refresh your own self-care routine, here are some tips for menstrual hygiene habits to support comfort, health, and confidence.

What Is Good Menstrual Hygiene?

Most of our basic hygiene habits are mastered at a young age, from brushing teeth to showering and washing hands. But your period can introduce new challenges that require a little extra attention. While the blood flow is a completely natural part of your cycle, practicing good menstrual hygiene includes addressing the less favorable effects that come with it by controlling odors, reducing your risk of infection, and keeping you comfortable.

What’s Included in Menstrual Hygiene?

Choosing Menstrual Products and Using Them Safely

There are several options for collecting blood when you have your period. Some of the most common include:

  • Sanitary pads
  • Tampons
  • Menstrual cups
  • Menstrual discs
  • Period underwear

You might find that you prefer the simplicity of sticking to one product, or you may be drawn to the flexibility of having options for different circumstances. For example, tampons or menstrual cups might be ideal for heavy days or if you want to get in the water, while period underwear might be more comfortable at the start or end of your cycle, when flow tends to be lighter.

No matter which products you choose, here are some hygiene tips to bear in mind.

Change disposable products regularly. Sanitary pads and tampons need to be changed every four to six hours. Never use a tampon for more than eight hours—this increases the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious and potentially fatal infection.
Sanitize reusable products properly. Most period underwear is machine washable, but check the label for specific care instructions. Menstrual cups should also be cleaned after each use and may need to be boiled at the end of your cycle, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Caring for Your Body During Your Period

  • Wear breathable underwear. A lightweight material like cotton will reduce moisture and heat buildup, minimizing your risk of irritation or infection. Skip synthetic fabrics like polyester while you’re on your period—they’ll be less comfortable and could harbor bacteria.
  • Gently clean your vulva. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, so there’s no need for internal cleansing (whether you’re on your period or not). In fact, doing so can disrupt your vagina’s natural pH balance, potentially leading to infections like bacterial vaginosis. Instead, focus on washing your vulva, labia, and pubic area with warm water and mild, unscented soap. Always wipe front to back after using the bathroom to prevent the spread of bacteria.
  • Skip scented products. While scented pads or tampons might seem like a good way to control odor, they can irritate sensitive skin and disrupt your vaginal health. Practicing consistent hygiene is usually all you’ll need to feel fresh.

Experiencing an Irregular Cycle? Schedule an Appointment With Avant Gynecology

A final but important component of menstrual hygiene is to visit your gynecologist if anything seems off. From irregular cycles to unfamiliar symptoms, the providers at Avant Gynecology have seen it all—and we’re here to help with your women’s healthcare needs. Schedule an appointment by calling our office at (404) 352-2850, or send us a message online.

How Nutrition Can Help Manage Your Endometriosis Symptoms

If you’re living with endometriosis, you know that its symptoms like pelvic pain, heavy periods, and fatigue are uncomfortable at best. While treatment options like hormonal birth control and surgery are available for severe symptoms, some people prefer to explore lifestyle adjustments first. One approach that may bring you relief is modifying your diet.

Here, we explore both the best and worst foods for endometriosis symptoms.

What Is the Best Diet for Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue found in your uterine lining spreads beyond your uterus. The affected surrounding tissue can then become irritated and inflamed, which can be especially painful as the tissue changes throughout your menstrual cycle. Because inflammation is an important factor behind endometriosis pain, foods that curb your body’s inflammatory response could help alleviate discomfort.

Research indicates the following foods could reduce persistent inflammation:

  • Berries: Antioxidants found in berries known as anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory effects. Try blending your favorite varieties into a smoothie or add them to yogurt or oatmeal.
  • Fatty fish: Certain species are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which your body processes into resolvins and protectins for inflammation-fighting power. Choose mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring, or anchovies for the greatest benefits.
  • Cruciferous vegetables: Chewing broccoli, cauliflower, and broccoli sprouts activate a chemical known as sulforaphane, which could help to reduce swelling.
  • Avocados: Good news for guac lovers — the healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants found in the fruit have anti-inflammatory effects. Its benefits are so powerful that researchers have been exploring avocado extract as a potential ingredient for medications.
  • Green tea: The antioxidants in green tea are often recommended as a natural remedy for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.  
  • Turmeric: This spice contains curcumin, which contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and appears to aid in the management of inflammatory conditions. Not sure how to incorporate this spice into your regular routine? Try sprinkling it on scrambled eggs or roasted vegetables with your usual seasoning.

Although there’s evidence to support the anti-inflammatory properties of these foods, research into the specific effects of dietary changes on endometriosis symptoms has been sparse. But with their favorable nutrients, adding these foods to your diet certainly won’t hurt — especially if they also come with some relief. A healthy diet overall could help provide your body the nourishment it needs to fight inflammation, so load your plate with lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes, and healthy fats.

What Not to Eat if You Have Endometriosis

Just as important as what to include in your diet is what to avoid or limit if you have endometriosis. Again, the efficacy of dietary approaches to control symptoms comes down to each food’s effect on inflammation in general  — but many foods can trigger an inflammatory response, potentially worsening pain, bloating, and other uncomfortable symptoms. With that in mind, you may want to omit these foods from your diet, or at the very least, limit them leading up to your period, when your symptoms are likely to peak:

  • Processed sugars, found in soda, candy, pastries, and fruit juices
  • Saturated fat, found in red meat and full-fat dairy
  • Trans fats, found in certain types of margarine, fried food, and other heavily processed foods
  • Refined carbohydrates, found in white bread, rice, and pasta
  • Mono-sodium glutamate (MSG), which is often found in soy sauce, prepared soup mixes, deli meats, and salad dressings

Schedule an Appointment With Avant Gynecology

While lifestyle modifications can help alleviate endometriosis pain to some degree, our caring providers can help you find a solution for severe endometriosis symptoms. To discuss your options, request an appointment online or by calling (404) 352-2850.

Understanding Uterine Cancer: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

While cervical cancer rates have dropped in recent decades thanks to advancements and increases in screenings and vaccination, other types of gynecological cancer are on the rise. In particular, uterine cancer is currently the third-most diagnosed cancer for women across the world.

While there are no screenings available for early detection to date, learning more about uterine cancer can empower you to look for early warning signs and get to the bottom of any symptoms with your gynecologist, if needed.

Here’s what all people assigned female at birth should know about uterine cancer.

What Are the Types of Uterine Cancer?

There are two types of uterine cancer:

  • Endometrial, which originates in the cells of your uterine lining (known as the endometrium)
  • Uterine sarcoma, which develops in the muscles or other tissue of your uterus

Although uterine sarcoma is more aggressive than endometrial cancer, it’s also much less common, making up five to ten percent of all uterine cancers.

What Are Some Symptoms of Uterine Cancer?

Here are some possible symptoms of uterine cancer to watch for:

  • Any bleeding after menopause, including light spotting
  • Vaginal discharge after menopause
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Pain or cramping in your pelvic region
  • Especially long or heavy periods

Frustratingly, uterine cancer can mimic symptoms of other women’s reproductive conditions, such as fibroids and endometriosis. For instance, pelvic pain or even an upset stomach might be confused with menstrual cramps if you’re still getting your period.

Likewise, spotting between periods has many possible causes, including certain infections, switching or starting hormone-based birth control, and perimenopause, among others. But abnormal bleeding is the telltale sign to watch for, as it occurs in 90% of uterine cancer cases.  It’s therefore critically important to discuss any new or ongoing gynecological symptoms with your doctor, who can then use diagnostic testing to determine their root cause.

Not all abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain will be diagnosed as uterine cancer, but most cases do present at least one of these signs. It’s especially critical that you alert your doctor of any gynecological changes if you’ve already gone through menopause, which is when about 75% of cases are diagnosed.

What Does Uterine Cancer Feel Like?

The early stages of uterine cancer — when detection can yield the most positive outcomes — may not produce any symptoms you can sense or feel internally. For some, early stages of uterine cancer might feel like pelvic pressure (but not necessarily pain). Feeling a mass in your pelvic area or losing weight without trying are also potential warning signs.

No matter their cause, pelvic discomfort and irregular bleeding that persist are important symptoms to investigate with your gynecologist to ensure proper diagnosis and proper treatment.

How Is Uterine Cancer Treated?

The best approach for treating uterine cancer depends on its type and stage. Surgery is the most common treatment, which may involve removal of one or more reproductive organs, as well as surrounding lymph nodes. Other options may include radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. Oftentimes, specialists such as gynecologists and oncologists work collaboratively to pursue the best treatment outcomes for uterine cancer.

Schedule an Appointment With a Gynecologist at Avant Gynecology

The thought of any type of cancer is unsettling, but knowing that your health is in the most capable and caring hands can be a source of comfort. For both preventative wellness and the treatment of gynecologic conditions, Avant Gynecology is your trusted practice for comprehensive women’s health. To schedule an appointment, send us a message online or call (404) 352-2850.

 

Do You Still Need a Gynecologist Appointment? Addressing Post-Menopausal Care

Gynecological care focuses heavily on reproductive wellness, so it’s a common misconception that you no longer need to see a gynecologist after your reproductive years have ended. In reality, the opposite is true: Starting with her teenage years, all stages of a woman’s life call for routine gynecological exams.

Here, we take a closer look at why your well-woman exams continue to be important beyond menopause.

Why See a Gynecologist After Menopause?

Although you may not have medical needs specifically related to reproduction at this stage in your life, there are still many areas of your reproductive health that still call for specialty care. Here are some of the components of postmenopausal gynecology.

Cancer Screenings

Most women should continue receiving cervical cancer screenings until the age of 65. Because the average age for menopause is 51, you’ll likely continue receiving Pap tests or HPV testing for several years after menstruation has ended.

Aside from cervical cancer, your doctor will also advise you to continue receiving routine mammograms for as long as you remain in good health. And while screenings aren’t yet available for other reproductive cancers — including ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer — your gynecologist can discuss your risk factors and make recommendations based on these risks, such as genetic counseling.

Physical Exams

Just as they did during your premenopausal years, your gynecologist will continue to perform pelvic and breast exams during your postmenopausal annual wellness appointments. Pelvic exams allow doctors to look and feel for abnormalities in your vagina, cervix, ovaries, bladder, and other nearby structures.

Similarly, breast exams allow your doctor to feel for lumps or other breast changes that may call for further testing. Your risk for some types of cancer increases with age, and going for these exams could help your doctor uncover abnormalities sooner.

Discussion of Postmenopausal Changes

Menopause can bring on a number of physical and emotional changes, and postmenopausal gynecology can help you work through these new developments. For example, during your annual exams, you may discuss the following topics with your gynecologist:

  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Mood swings
  • Irregular periods
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Weight gain
  • Urinary incontinence

Depending on your specific symptoms, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, or you could be a good candidate for hormone therapy. But because hormone imbalances aren’t exclusive to menopause, your gynecologist can investigate the root causes of your symptoms to ensure you pursue the best possible treatment options.

Bone Wellness

Postmenopausal women are at an elevated risk for conditions outside your reproductive system, including bone loss and osteoporosis. Half of adults over the age of 50 are at risk of breaking a bone, and women’s risk is double that of men. Your gynecologist can act as a partner for navigating bone disorders and other conditions you may encounter. For instance, you may be advised to receive a bone density study, which could lead to recommendations for supplementation, lifestyle changes, or medication.

Schedule a Post-Menopausal Appointment with Avant Gynecology

As your partner in lifelong women’s wellness, Avant Gynecology is here to support you through menopause and the years that follow. Whether you have a concern to address or you’re simply due for an annual exam, we look forward to seeing you at your next visit. Schedule an appointment by sending us a message online or by calling (404) 352-2850.

Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora of Avant Gynecology Discuss Women’s Health on WSB Radio

Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora of Avant Gynecology appeared on the June 30 episode of “The Weekly Check-Up,” a healthcare talk show on WSB Radio featuring host Dr. Bruce Feinberg. They discussed women’s health, their medical journeys, and their specialized focus on minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries.

Dr. Durrett has been with Avant Gynecology for 24 years, while Dr. Obiamaka Mora has been with the practice for 12 years. “I enjoy our practice and our patients,” Dr. Mora shared. “It’s a privilege being able to help the community in all aspects of what we do.”

The doctors kicked off the show by emphasizing the importance of diet in managing iron levels and addressing underlying conditions to treat low iron levels. Additionally, they highlighted the benefits of minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries, pointing out these advanced techniques reduce recovery time and improve outcomes for patients. They also discussed important life changes for women, such as puberty and menopause.

“We are fortunate that we get to do continuing care and are seeing people as young as puberty,” said Dr. Durrett, “and they can stay with us their whole lives.”

Drs. Durrett and Mora emphasized the importance of health exams for college-bound students as these exams are important in educating young women about basic functions, STD prevention, and scheduling Pap screenings.

Later, the doctors addressed the misconception bladder and urinary issues are normal as women age, encouraging women to seek medical advice if they experience these problems. Dr. Mora highlighted the importance of colon cancer screenings, noting that undetected colon cancer can lead to anemia and other serious health issues.

“No one is going to take care of you but you,” Dr. Durrett said. “Women need the tools to empower themselves in their healthcare decisions. Often, women may not be aware of all the available options, and it’s our mission to provide them with the resources they need to achieve their health goals.”

For more information or to schedule a visit with Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora at Avant Gynecology, visit AvantGynecology.com or call 404-355-5770.

Two Physicians from Avant Gynecology Receive Top Doctors Honors in Atlanta Magazine

Drs. Lynley S. Durrett and Obiamaka Mora appear in Atlanta magazine’s July issue

Two physicians from Avant Gynecology rank among metro Atlanta’s Top Doctors in Atlanta magazine’s July issue. Avant Gynecology physicians consistently appear on the list, which annually honors notable physicians among the area’s healthcare landscape. This year’s list features Drs. Lynley S. Durrett and Obiamaka Mora.

Atlanta magazine creates its list from a roster of doctors selected by Professional Research Service (PRS). More than 1,200 physicians appear on the publication’s 2024 list. These doctors represent the following counties in Georgia: Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, and Rockdale. PRS creates its list by conducting an online peer-review survey of physicians in the metro Atlanta area. Physicians are asked to nominate fellow physicians they deem the best in their field of practice. Many votes were cast honoring excellence in all fields of medicine. The featured doctors were screened and selected through the verification of licensing and review of any infractions through applicable boards, agencies, and rating services.

“Receiving this prestigious award is a testament to our unwavering dedication to women’s health,” says Dr. Lynley Durrett. “We will continue to reach excellence and push the boundaries of women’s healthcare.”

To schedule an appointment call 404-352-2850 or visit AvantGynecology.com.

Dr. Lynley S. Durrett is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG). Durrett’s professional expertise includes minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques with interests in vaginal prolapse treatment, pelvic reconstructive surgery, symptomatic fibroid management, endometriosis management, managing urologic conditions, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Durrett has been selected by her peers as one of Atlanta magazine’s Top Doctors since 2010.

Dr. Obiamaka Mora is board certified in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology and a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG). Her professional expertise includes minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques with interests in pelvic reconstructive surgery, symptomatic fibroid management, endometriosis management, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Mora is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), and the Georgia OB/GYN Society.

Avant Gynecology provides exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives while staying at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery. The practice’s physicians offer a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, and ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation; as well as minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgical procedures. Serving generations of women for more than 40 years, Avant Gynecology serves patients at Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead. Go to AvantGynecology.com for daily updates.

Interviews are available upon request.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Symptoms, Side Effects, Risks, and Benefits

From hot flashes to sleep challenges, the symptoms of menopause can be disruptive and uncomfortable. For some women, these changes take a significant toll on their quality of life. If lifestyle adjustments alone have failed to bring you relief, it may be time to consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

In a recent blog, we shared an overview of HRT, including what it’s used for and who may be a good candidate for it. Here, we’re diving deeper into this specific menopause treatment by discussing its side effects, risks, and benefits.

HRT Symptoms & Side Effects

HRT is used to treat a number of symptoms you might experience in the time leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause. For instance, HRT can alleviate brain fog, hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. It may also reduce your risk of other health conditions related to hormone changes, including osteoporosis and heart disease.

As with most medications, HRT can also lead to certain side effects, including bloating and headaches. Breast soreness and vaginal spotting may also occur, but these side effects are often temporary. More serious side effects are rare, but may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Breast lumps
  • Vision changes
  • Shortness of breath
  • Leg pain
  • Severe headache
  • Slurred speech
  • Limb weakness or numbness
  • Abdominal pain

Since they could indicate a serious health issue, seek immediate medical attention if you experience these or any other health changes while taking HRT.

What Are the Risks of HRT?

Perhaps the most noteworthy risk of HRT is that it has been associated with certain types of cancer. There are two main types of HRT: estrogen-only therapy (ET) and estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT). While ET can improve menopause symptoms, it increases the likelihood of developing endometrial cancer, or cancer of the uterus. To mitigate this risk, ET is only prescribed to women who have had their uterus removed via hysterectomy.

EPT carries its own risks, as well. The Women’s Health Initiative, a large-scale study on the risks of HRT concluded in the early 2000s, was halted when researchers linked EPT to a possible increased risk of breast cancer and feared compromising otherwise healthy women. However, some members of the medical community have since questioned whether the study was stopped prematurely since the risk appears to be low. According to the American Cancer Society, only eight more cases of breast cancer would result in 10,000 women taking EPT, compared to those not using HRT.

Both types of HRT do carry other risks as well, including the potential for stroke and blood clots, though these serious health risks vary based on each patient’s health factors. The most favorable benefit-risk profile is shared among women who take the lowest dose of HRT for the shortest amount of time, especially those who are younger menopausal women and those who have had their uterus removed.

Benefits of HRT

There’s a wealth of evidence that indicates HRT is effective for treating potentially debilitating symptoms of menopause, including vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, and bone loss. Addressing these symptoms could drastically improve your quality of life while also promoting better long-term health.

Because at least some risk is present with HRT, however, it’s important to make an informed and thoughtful decision with your gynecologist when considering treatment. Weighing factors such as your individual risk profile against your level of discomfort can help you come to the right choice.

Schedule an HRT Consultation With Avant Gynecology

If you’re exploring the option of HRT or other methods to achieve menopause relief, allow our women’s health specialists to help. Schedule a consultation to discuss your candidacy for HRT and any questions or concerns by calling (404) 352-2850 or by requesting an appointment online.

Avant Gynecology Introduces Pro-Nox™ for Enhanced Comfort in Gynecologic Care

At Avant Gynecology, we strive to ensure our patients feel at ease while receiving top-quality care. Gynecological exams and procedures can be uncomfortable and anxiety-provoking for many women. To address these concerns, we are excited to introduce Pro-Nox™, a safe and effective patient-controlled analgesia system designed to make your experience more comfortable and less stressful.

An FDA-approved analgesic, Pro-Nox™ offers a mixture of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen to relieve pain and anxiety. The rapid-acting analgesic is self-administered by the patient using a system that dispenses the gas upon inhalation. During the procedure, the patient holds a disposable mouthpiece to inhale, controlling the amount of Pro-Nox™ needed for their comfort. Once you stop breathing the nitrous oxide, the effects wear off completely in a few minutes, so you can resume your normal activities shortly after the procedure. This cutting-edge technology allows patients to be in control of their care.

Avant Gynecology offers Pro-Nox™ as a self-pay, add-on service to procedures such as IUD insertions, biopsies, and other in-office surgeries. Patient comfort and safety are our top priorities. For more information about adding Pro-Nox™ to your gynecological care experience, call 404-352-2850 to schedule a visit.

Our Guide to Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT Candidates, and Treatment

From physical changes like hot flashes to emotional challenges such as mood swings, menopause brings on many unwelcome symptoms. Some women find that these issues are manageable with home treatments and lifestyle management alone. But if you’re among the many women who find that menopause is disruptive to your quality of life, you could be a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (or “HRT,” and also known as simply “hormone therapy”), is a treatment for symptoms of menopause. As you approach menopause, your ovaries’ production of the hormone estrogen begins to slow down. While this change in your reproductive system is a normal part of aging, it brings a host of unpleasant symptoms, including:

  • Night sweats
  • Irregular periods
  • Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
  • Hot flashes
  • Mood changes, which may include depression and irritability
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Urinary changes, which could include incontinence

The goal of HRT is to replace the estrogen your body is no longer producing in order to alleviate these symptoms.

Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

HRT can be prescribed as an estrogen-only medication (ET), or as a combination treatment with both estrogen and progestogen (EPT). You may receive ET if you’ve had your uterus removed during a hysterectomy. The addition of progestogen is given to women who still have their uterus, to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer that may be increased when using estrogen alone.

There are two ways HRT can be administered: systemically, in which the medication travels through your entire body, or locally (to target vaginal symptoms, for instance). Examples of systemic HRT include pills, injections, and patches, while local treatments include vaginal creams and rings.

Are You a Good Candidate for HRT?

Before beginning HRT, many women first try lifestyle modifications to manage their menopause symptoms. Wearing layered clothing, sleeping in cotton sheets, and avoiding spicy foods and alcohol could limit hot flashes, for instance. Some women also see improvements by taking supplements to support healthy hormone function. But if these approaches don’t give you adequate relief, it’s worth discussing HRT with your provider, especially when symptoms begin interfering with your routine.

What exactly does that mean? It can look different from one person to the next, but an example could be hot flashes that make it difficult to get through the day or keep you up at night. Likewise, decreased libido and painful intercourse are symptoms that should be addressed. And if you’re struggling with any other issues that could be attributed to menopause, from mood changes to weight gain, it’s possible that HRT could alleviate these issues, too.

If you’re ready to have a conversation about HRT, we’ll help assess your candidacy for the treatment. Talking to a caring specialist is particularly important, as, like most medications, HRT isn’t risk-free. Women tend to see the best results when starting HRT within ten years of menopause, and risks of the treatment are lowest among the younger women. Similar to birth control, ET and EPT can increase the risk of blood clots, though it’s rare in women aged 50 to 59. The risk of breast cancer is also increased with five or more years of EPT, but there was no increased risk with ET alone. Your provider can help you weigh these factors and assess your individual risk profile when determining if HRT is right for you.

Interested in Starting Hormone Replacement Therapy? Schedule an Appointment Today

Starting HRT can be a safe and effective way to manage your menopause symptoms, but it’s a decision that calls for guidance from a medical expert. If you’d like to talk through your options with our care team, call (404) 352-2850 or schedule an appointment online.