So, you’ve hit perimenopause, and the symptoms are hitting you hard: sleepless nights, irritability, night sweats, hot flashes, weight gain, and a disappearing libido. Not exactly a party, right? It’s time to consider hormone therapy (HT), but before you dive in, let’s clear up some misconceptions and explore your options.

First, be sure that you are going to a Menopause Specialist! It has been reported that only one in five OBGN residents receive menopause training! Your Menopause Specialist is your business partner in this menopause business. So pick wisely!!!!

Share your current and past health history and that of your immediate family, your symptoms, and your preferences with your Menopause Specialist. This will help your practitioner determine if HT is right for your health needs.

Why the Fear of HT? The scaremongering sparked by the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative has left many women and even healthcare professionals wary of hormone therapy. But fear not! Recent scientific findings show that for most healthy women, the benefits of HT  managing menopause symptoms far outweigh the risks.

The Benefits of HT: HT isn’t just about alleviating hot flashes and night sweats; it can also improve sleep quality, mood swings, fatigue, and overall quality of life. Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis and broken bones and treats conditions like GSM (genitourinary syndrome of menopause), which causes painful sex, recurrent UTIs, and vaginal dryness.

The number one killer of women is heart disease. Women receiving HT had lower levels of atherosclerosis—plaque buildup in the arteries—and were more likely to see other health benefits as well.

Low estrogen levels also impact the brain. Estrogen receptors are found in cells throughout a woman’s brain. Research shows that decreases in estrogen are associated with decreased gray matter in the brain. Grey matter changes are found in the areas of the brain associated with forms of dementia.

Types of HT:

1. Estrogen Therapy (ET): This involves using estrogen alone, suitable for women who’ve had a hysterectomy. It tackles symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone loss.
2. Combined Hormone Therapy (CHT): Combining estrogen with progestogen, CHT is for women with a uterus to protect against endometrial cancer.
3. Local Estrogen Therapy (LET):   These treatments are inserted into the vagina and keep the vulva and urethra healthy. It is used to address symptoms of vaginal atrophy, such as dryness, itching, burning, and pain during intercourse.  LET comes in various forms, including vaginal creams, tablets, rings, or suppositories.

Bioidentical vs. Non-Bioidentical HT: Bioidentical hormones mimic those naturally produced by your body, sourced from plants, and tailored to your needs. On the other hand, non-bioidentical hormones differ in structure and may come from animal sources.

Choosing Wisely: Be cautious of hormones with two names—bioidentical hormones maintain a single name (e.g., estradiol), while non-bioidentical hormones may have multiple (e.g., ethinyl estradiol). Educate yourself and choose what’s right for you.

Finding Your Solution: Assess your quality of life honestly and refuse to settle. Every woman’s journey through menopause is unique. Explore your options and consult an actual Menopause Specialist to find the best fit for your needs.

There is no hard set age to go off of your hormones. This should be done in conversation with your Menopause Specialist. Some women choose to ease off their HT, while others, like me,  never want to go off because of the overall health benefits! You can read more about those benefits here.

Keep Exploring:  Base your healthcare decisions on facts instead of fear! Stay informed, stay empowered, and embrace this new phase of life with confidence.

Stay fearless, fabulous, and informed!

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*EllenDolgen.com does not recommend, endorse, or make any representation about any tests, studies, practices, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, healthcare providers, physicians, or medical institutions that may be mentioned or referenced. The information, including opinions and recommendations, contained on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Such information is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other healthcare provider.