Understanding Hormone Therapy For Menopause

The Role Of Hormones

Hormones play an integral role in our body and can significantly impact our daily lives. As tiny chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to various organs and tissues, they essentially tell the body how to function smoothly. Hormones can influence nearly every aspect of our health – from metabolism, appetite, and brain function to mood regulation, sleep cycles, and of course, during menopause.

Perimenopause and menopause mark a significant hormonal shift in a woman’s life when key hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, begin to fluctuate and decrease. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, brain fog, and sleep disturbances. Symptoms can show up in a variety of physical, psychological, and behavioral ways, some stronger than others. Many women aren’t aware that the way they are feeling is the result of hormone imbalance, and oftentimes they ignore their symptoms or accept them as a part of getting older.

For many, menopause symptoms can wreak havoc and disrupt relationships, work, health, and overall quality of life. But, just because you’re going through menopause doesn’t mean you have to live with these symptoms.

Hormone Therapy Overview

There are a variety of safe and effective treatments that can restore hormone levels and bring much-needed relief. Hormone therapy (HT) is one option that involves taking supplemental forms of hormones – either estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone – to alleviate common menopause symptoms.

HT has been extensively studied in clinical trials conducted over several years by many notable academic institutions. According to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) HT is safe and effective for most women, in perimenopause through menopause, especially when started before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause. As always, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your Axia Women’s Health provider to better understand the benefits and side effects.

Types of HT

HT is available in a variety of different types, doses, and forms. HT can be customized based on an individual’s stage of life, personal and family medical history, and overall lifestyle factors. With the help of a healthcare provider, women can find the best fit for them and tailor their treatment to their specific goals and preferences. It’s important to note that HT is not recommended for those with a history of blood clots, cardiac or liver disease, or breast cancer.

Delivery Type

Local or Vaginal 

• Vaginal HT products are applied inside the vagina and can target symptoms that specifically affect the vagina, like itching, dryness, burning or pain
• Examples include Creams that can be applied directly to the vagina or vulva area, and tablets, rings, or suppositories can be inserted directly into the vagina

Systemic

• Systemic HT products are absorbed into the bloodstream and treat symptoms that affect the whole body, like hot flashes, brain fog, mood changes, or insomnia.
• Systemic HT can be in the form of tablets or capsules that are taken orally, usually once per day, or transdermal patches that are applied directly to the skin on the abdomen, butt, or arms, and are typically replaced twice a week.
• Topical HT creams, gels, or sprays can also be applied to specific areas of the body.

Composition Type

Synthetic 

• Synthetic means the hormones are produced in a lab and designed to mimic the hormones your body produces

Bioidentical

• Bioidentical means the hormones in the product are chemically identical to those your body produces

Manufacturing Type

Pharma Company Manufactured 

• Studied for safety by the Food and Drug Administration and FDA-approved

Compounded

• Custom-made at a pharmacy

*It’s important to note that compounded drugs are not regulated by the FDA. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends FDA-approved hormone therapy over compounded hormone therapy.

Choosing The Right Hormone Therapy For You

There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the best option for you – from preferred application to personal health history.

For example, estrogen-only therapy is recommended for women who have had a hysterectomy, while combination therapy is for women with a uterus.

Taking estrogen alone can stimulate the endometrium (or the lining of the uterus) to grow and this overgrowth of cells could increase your risk of endometrial cancer.  Taking a combination therapy of estrogen and progesterone can help counteract this potential overgrowth.

In general, it may be a bit of a trial and error to find the best option for you. Working with your Axia Women’s Health provider is always recommended as hormone therapy requires supervision from a medical professional.

Finding Support During Menopause

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are several proactive steps women can take to manage their hormonal health and remain comfortable and vibrant at all stages of life.

• Research and educate yourself. Stay informed about current research and developments in hormone therapy. Your healthcare provider is there to partner with you to help you better understand your options. Remember, you are your best advocate!
• Explore lifestyle and behavioral changes. As we age, habits such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress levels, and getting adequate sleep can significantly impact hormonal balance and overall well-being. While it can be difficult to avoid environmental toxins that disrupt our hormones, incorporating more eco-conscious, paraben and phthalate-free products can benefit hormone health.
• Find support in other women. The symptoms associated with hormonal events show up in a variety of ways, and every woman’s experience is different. These symptoms are real, and women do not need to suffer. Knowledge is power and we can make a difference by sharing our stories and learning from each other.

In conclusion, hormone therapy can offer relief to women experiencing distressing menopausal symptoms, but its risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated in consultation with healthcare providers. As always, our Axia Women’s Health providers are here to support you as you enter this new life chapter.