Throughout your life, it’s normal to experience fluctuations in various hormones, such as during menopause. Although all women will go through this change, the imbalances can affect your quality of life and health. To restore adequate levels, you might be a candidate for hormone therapy, but is it an option for everyone? Here’s what you need to know to feel your best again.
Signs of Menopause
Around the age of 40, a woman’s body will stop releasing eggs, which will prevent the uterus from preparing for pregnancy. As a result, the natural process known as menopause will commence. The change will cause your body to decrease the production of certain hormones, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Sleeplessness
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes
- Erratic emotions
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Memory problems
Your body will also undergo other changes that may not be apparent right away. With the loss of estrogen, your bone strength can decline, and you can develop an increased risk of heart disease and stroke from elevated blood pressure.
Candidates for Hormone Therapy
As you go through the process of menopause, you might be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy, which is designed to replicate the estrogen your body has stopped making. There are many options to restore estrogen levels, such as using creams, rings, or patches. The slow-release delivery can help stabilize your hormones; however, it’s not uncommon for women to need progesterone as well to prevent additional health issues.
Women who have gone through menopause are often candidates for hormone therapy to protect their bones and cardiovascular system while also improving their overall wellbeing. The treatment is often recommended for women who are experiencing a variety of symptoms that don’t improve over a long period of time.
Although hormone replacement therapy is beneficial, it’s not recommended for patients with a high risk of blood clots, such as smokers. Women who have had reproductive cancers should avoid hormone replacement to prevent the growth of cancerous cells. If you have a history of high cholesterol, triglycerides, gallbladder issues, or liver disease, you may need to take additional precautions while using hormone replacement treatments.
Choose a Natural Solution
If you’re ready to restore a harmonious balance in your body, you might be a candidate for bioidentical hormones. As an alternative to traditional therapy, bioidentical hormones are made of natural compounds, not synthetics created in a laboratory. Therefore, your body will absorb and use them similarly to those you produce naturally. Your gynecologist will design your treatment plan to meet your specific needs, so you can get your life back on track.
About Dr. Connie Casad
Dr. Casad is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. With over 30 years of experience catering to women’s health issues, she strives to help her patients look and feel their best using holistic solutions. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional hormone therapy, contact our office today to see if bioidentical hormones are right for you.