Do You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Menopause is a natural biological event that occurs in every woman when they reach a specific age. Although treatment is not necessary for menopause, the symptoms it brings can disrupt the daily life of menopausal women. If you find the menopausal symptoms too much to handle, it could be a good idea to speak with a doctor about starting hormone therapy.

Most women go through menopause in their 40s or 50s, while approximately 1% of women experience premature menopause before the age of 40. Women typically begin to see changes in their bodies a couple of months or years before reaching menopause.

Most doctors suggest hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help patients alleviate pain and discomfort caused by hormone deficiency in the body.

Below are signs of menopause that may help you determine if you need hormone replacement therapy.

Changes in Menstrual Cycle

Irregular menstrual cycles are a frequently seen indicator that women are nearing menopause. Their periods can occur with varying frequency. It could be heavier or lighter and have a shorter or longer duration than before.

Women approaching menopause frequently experience difficulty in anticipating the onset of their menstrual period or estimating its duration. It becomes more challenging to determine if the flow is light or heavy as well. The likelihood of becoming pregnant decreases, but it is still achievable if they are menstruating.

Patients with cancer who receive chemotherapy may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, which is considered a common occurrence. However, postmenopausal women should not have any bleeding or spotting. If this occurs, ensure you speak with a physician right away regarding unexplainable vaginal bleeding.

Hot Flashes

A sudden sensation of warmth in the upper body, often felt in the face, chest, and neck, is known as a hot flash. This condition also leads to sweating and reddening of the skin. A fast pulse can also be felt by some individuals due to a hot flash. Typically, these symptoms persist for 1 to 5 minutes, and then shivering or sudden chilliness occurs.

Hot flashes can occur at any time, although they are most frequent at night, known as “night sweats”. Certain women suffer from intense night sweats that lead to them waking up in the middle of the night.

Fluctuating hormone levels are the reason behind hot flashes. A lack of estrogen in the body makes the hypothalamus more responsive to fluctuations in body temperature. The hypothalamus produces hot flashes to regulate body temperature even with a minor increase in temperature.

Poor Bladder Control and Vaginal Health

Vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis, leads to drying, thinning, and inflammation of the vaginal wall. This is caused by a hormonal imbalance in the body, specifically a deficiency of estrogen.

Vaginal dryness is frequently seen in women post-menopause, but those in their perimenopause and menopause stages can also suffer from this issue. Intercourse is painful due to atrophic vaginitis. It also causes some pain for patients during urination. Most physicians refer to atrophic vaginitis as “genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM)” because it affects both urinary and vaginal functions.

Engaging in frequent sexual activity can reduce the likelihood of vaginal atrophy by promoting healthy blood flow to maintain the health of vaginal tissues. Patients can also consult with a healthcare provider regarding the option of using estrogen therapy to restore the hormonal imbalance caused by menopause.

Low Libido

A lack of sexual desire and libido is closely linked to the body’s hormonal imbalance. These hormones influence a person’s performance and pleasure during sex. Most couples often struggle with intimacy issues due to a deficiency of testosterone in men and progesterone and estrogen in women.

Women commonly experience hormonal changes during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. When estrogen levels decrease, the vaginal tissues dry up. During this time, most women also experience a decreased interest in sex. Many women may still have fulfilling sex, but the majority experience decreased sex drive when their estrogen levels are low.

Estrogen tablets and other forms of hormone replacement therapy online assist women in regulating their hormone levels to promote healthier vaginal tissues and enhance sexual desire. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to keep in mind that HRT does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), therefore, be sure to use contraceptives when engaging in sexual activity.

Mood Changes

A person’s mood can be influenced by various factors, such as hormonal imbalances. While occasional mood shifts are typical for some people, consistent and intense changes in mood indicate fluctuations in hormones. Women who have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety may encounter more severe symptoms as they approach menopausal age.

Estrogen plays a role in controlling various hormones in the body such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which are in charge of enhancing a person’s mood. Due to a decreased level of estrogen in the body, there is a lack of hormones to control and enhance a person’s mood, leading to feelings of irritability or depression.

Menopausal hormone therapy aids in enhancing a patient’s mood by regulating the hormone levels within the body. Nevertheless, it is important to note that this should not be viewed as a substitute therapy for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Speaking with a doctor assists patients in determining whether HRT, antidepressants, or psychotherapy is the most suitable treatment for them.

Sleep Disorders

Women going through menopause are more prone to experiencing sleep disorders such as sleep apnea due to decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone in their bodies. Sleep apnea is a severe respiratory condition characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep. At night, sleep apnea can also cause some patients to feel like they are choking.

Many women going through menopause struggle to sleep at night due to hot flashes. Both of these problems interfere with sleeping patterns, impacting their overall well-being. A person’s mood is also affected and their focus is impaired by the absence of a proper night’s rest.

If you’re experiencing difficulty sleeping due to vasomotor symptoms, be sure to seek advice from a healthcare provider. Hormone replacement therapy effectively alleviates various menopausal symptoms by reinstating hormone balance in the body.