When Is It Time to Consider HRT for Menopause Symptoms?

When people hear the word “menopause,” they may think about hot flashes, but this life transition often involves more physical, mental, and emotional changes than many realize. The good news is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help women feel more like themselves again.

Our highly skilled providers at The Healthy Woman in Atlanta East and Lawrenceville, Georgia, offer a wide range of OB/GYN and primary care services to women at all stages of life. If you’re struggling with perimenopause or menopause symptoms, we offer personalized recommendations to help you better manage the health challenges that come with this life change.

Perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause, when reproductive hormones begin to shift unevenly, is the first step toward menopause. This first phase can last for years and cause symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, and brain fog.

Natural menopause occurs after a woman hasn’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. Other women undergo it as a result of a medical treatment, such as surgery to remove the ovaries. 

In menopause, similar symptoms that can manifest in perimenopause — hot flashes, mood swings, and cognitive challenges — may be present along with other concerns such as an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Hormone replacement therapy

HRT uses estrogen to replace what your body has stopped making. Restoring hormone levels addresses both uncomfortable symptoms and reduces potential future problems like bone loss. It comes in a variety of forms, including pills, skin patches, topical medications, pellets, and injections.

It's important to note that women who still have a uterus need to take progestin as well to decrease the risk of uterine cancer.

When to consider HRT

The decision to use hormone replacement therapy is a personal one best made by a woman and her healthcare provider. The following factors may be part of your consideration:

Age

On average, perimenopause starts in a woman's 40s, although it can begin as early as her 30s or as late as her 50s. If symptoms become bothersome, you can start HRT during this phase, before you reach menopause.

In addition, women who’ve entered menopause on the earlier side, before age 45, may want to consider taking hormones because they will lack estrogen and its protective benefits for a longer period of time.

Also, it is important to not wait too long. Beginning treatment before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause can increase the benefits over the risks.

Symptoms

The severity of symptoms — in addition to hot flashes, many women experience vaginal issues, bladder problems, sleep concerns, and struggles with anxiety and mood — is another consideration to take into account. If menopause symptoms disrupt your daily life, talk to a member of our team.

Health status

HRT can help protect against long-term problems like osteoporosis and frailty by helping keep the bones healthy and muscles strong.

Partner with our healthcare team

October is Menopause Awareness Month, but whenever you tire of living with the discomfort of menopause symptoms, it’s always the right time to discuss whether hormone replacement therapy is right for you.

The Healthy Woman can be an important partner on the road to optimal health. Call us at 770-809-1100 or request an appointment online today.