Hormone Replacement Therapy

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy is a highly customized treatment to replace the hormones that decrease as you approach menopause, such as estrogen and progesterone. Dr. Neal and Dr. Quinata offer hormone replacement therapy in a variety of forms, including oral pills, creams, vaginal suppositories, and slow-release injectable pellets.

Why would I need hormone replacement therapy?

Menopausal symptoms are usually due to the decrease of estrogen and progesterone. Every woman experiences menopause differently, and your symptoms may be very different than your friend’s, sister’s, or mother’s issues. You may experience any of the following symptoms, and they can range in severity from mild to severe.

• Mood changes and irritability
• Anxiety and depression
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Insomnia
• Weight gain
• Muscle mass loss
• Lower libido
• Vaginal atrophy
• Urinary incontinence

Hormone replacement therapy restores your hormonal balance, relieving many of these symptoms. As your symptoms subside, you can get back to your regular activities and enjoy an improved quality of life.

What happens during hormone replacement therapy?

At Platinum Women’s Health, Dr. Neal and Dr. Quinata begin with a thorough consultation and physical exam, including extensive blood testing. The blood tests measure your hormone levels and also check for signs of other conditions that could contribute to your symptoms.

If hormonal imbalance is the cause of your symptoms, your doctor prescribes hormone replacement therapy. You have frequent appointments as you begin to use the replacement hormones. During these checkups, your doctor monitors your hormone levels and your symptoms, fine-tuning your prescription as needed to optimize your results.

As your hormone levels stabilize, your appointments become less frequent, although your doctor will still want to see you every 6-12 months to monitor your health and wellness.

What else can I do to manage my menopause symptoms?

Your doctor can recommend a variety of lifestyle modifications to ease your transition to menopause. You may benefit from adding moderate physical activity to your day. Taking a walk or going to a group exercise class with a friend can help you manage your weight and retain muscle tone, while also giving you a fun social activity.

You may also want to adjust your diet. Spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can trigger hot flashes can make your menopause symptoms feel more extreme. You should also make sure to eat calcium-rich foods, or take supplements as prescribed, as your risk of osteoporosis increases as you age.

If your menopause symptoms are interfering with your life, call or make an appointment online.