Hormone replacement therapy: Is it right for you?

For women in their late 40s and early 50s, menopause is a primary health concern. Once referred to as “the change,” this milestone marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life. The doctors in our San Antonio OBGYN practice can provide the support and medical expertise needed to guide our patients through this transition. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is one way that we can support you through this phase of life.

What happens during menopause?

At puberty, a woman begins ovulating and having periods, which allows her to become pregnant. With menopause, which typically happens around age 52, your ovaries stop releasing eggs and generating the hormones needed for menstruation. Once you have gone 12 months without a period, you are considered postmenopausal.

Common symptoms of menopause

Although this phase is a natural part of aging, the hormonal changes in your body can create unpleasant side effects. Many women experience physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, night sweats, insomnia and depression. If you have developed any of these issues, our San Antonio OBGYN practice health providers can create a treatment plan to improve your overall wellbeing.

What is HRT?

The hormonal changes in your body during this time, specifically the drop in estrogen, are the culprit for menopause symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy can help manage the negative impact on your life. Your doctor may suggest HRT to boost your hormone levels and minimize the discomfort.

Are there risks with hormone replacement therapy?

For many women, hormone replacement therapy eases vaginal dryness, improves sleeping, relieves hot flashes, reduces the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, and lowers the risk of dementia. While some prior health studies have suggested that these treatments could pose potential health concerns, current research indicates that the benefits outweigh the risks in many cases.

Your doctor will consider many factors when prescribing HRT.

Type of therapy used
Dosage of medication
Patient’s age
Any underlying health conditions

Before starting HRT, you and your doctor will discuss the benefits, as well as any potential concerns.

Types of hormone therapy

Generally, we prescribe estrogen replacement as either whole-body treatment or low-dose vaginal estrogen. Systematic therapy usually alleviates broader menopause symptoms, while localized vaginal therapy addresses urinary or vaginal symptoms. If you still have a uterus, your doctor will also recommend progesterone to lessen the probability of endometrial cancer.

In our San Antonio OBGYN practice, our team is committed to ensuring that our patients achieve optimal wellness at all stages of life. Don’t let menopause rob you of the life you have created. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, and learn more about hormone replacement therapy.

HRT can reduce common menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, vaginal dryness and mood changes. Some women also report improvements in joint pain, brain fog and overall quality of life. If symptoms are affecting daily functioning, your physician can help determine whether HRT is appropriate.

For many women, HRT is considered safe when used under medical guidance. Safety depends on factors like age, health history, and the type of hormones used. Talk with your healthcare professional about the benefits and risks based on your personal situation.

Options include estrogen-only therapy, combined estrogen progesterone therapy, and different delivery methods, such as patches, pills, gels, sprays and vaginal treatments. Your doctor can make recommendations depending on symptoms and whether you still have a uterus.

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