Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It typically occurs in women in their late 40s or early 50s, but the age at which menopause occurs can vary widely. Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
During menopause, a woman's ovaries gradually reduce the production of estrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. This hormonal shift can lead to a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, and changes in sexual function. The symptoms can vary in intensity and duration for each individual.
Advanced Wellness & Health offers BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy) for those who want to manage the symptoms of menopause. It involves supplementing the body with bioidentical hormones, typically estrogen and sometimes progesterone, to alleviate symptoms caused by the decline in natural hormone levels during menopause. There are different types of hormone therapy, and the choice depends on various factors including a woman's overall health, medical history, and whether or not she has a uterus.
Here are two main types of hormone replacement therapy:
Estrogen Therapy (ET):
For women who have had a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus), estrogen therapy alone may be prescribed.
It can help relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
It's usually recommended for women without a uterus because estrogen alone can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
Combined Estrogen-Progestin Therapy (EPT):
For women with a uterus, a combination of estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) is often prescribed.
Progestin is added to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, which can be increased by estrogen alone.
This combination is typically recommended for women who have not had a hysterectomy.
It's important to note that while hormone replacement therapy can effectively manage menopausal symptoms, it is not suitable for everyone. Women considering BHRT should discuss their medical history and concerns with one of our providers. AW&H provides customized treatment plans based on the needs and concerns of each individual.
Additionally, lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and non-hormonal medications may also be recommended to manage menopausal symptoms, depending on individual needs and preferences. If you're interested in additional treatment, contact us here.
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