Hot flashes and mood swings may be cliché signs of perimenopause and menopause, but they’re far from the only symptoms women frequently experience. Fortunately, safe and effective treatments — including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — can help ease suffering.
With four Georgia offices conveniently located in Snellville, Lawrenceville, and Atlanta East, our dedicated medical team at The Healthy Woman partners with you to navigate your health needs through all stages of life. We provide comprehensive primary care as well as OB/GYN services, and we can help you manage menopause safely and more comfortably.
Menopause is a normal part of aging that women reach after their menstrual period has stopped for a year. The average age of this milestone is 52 in the United States, but it varies from woman to woman.
Before menopause, women go through the menopausal transition — perimenopause. During this time, which can last anywhere from two to eight years, hormones fluctuate as the ovaries gradually shut down.
Both of these life transitions can cause a variety of health issues in many women while others experience only mild or no symptoms.
Perimenopause symptoms can include irregular periods that may be heavier or lighter than usual, hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems. Anxiety, depression, and mood swings can occur as can brain fog and forgetfulness. Many women experience vaginal dryness, low libido, and weight gain.
Several of these symptoms can continue in menopause. Low levels of estrogen after menopause increase the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, and even dental cavities.
While some women sail through perimenopause and menopause, many others struggle. We work with our patients to understand specific symptoms and concerns, and together we create a personalized treatment plan to improve your quality of life.
Treatment options can include dietary and supplement recommendations, tips on managing stress, lubricants or creams, and possibly medical weight loss if desired and appropriate. Hormone replacement therapy is another intervention to consider.
HRT consists of using estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone to help address the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause that arise due to waning levels of these hormones. Women who don’t have a uterus may take estrogen alone, while women who still have one use both estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen comes in many forms, including pills, patches, gels, sprays, pellets, and injections. We usually prescribe progesterone as a pill or patch, but we can also administer it through an IUD.
Hormone replacement therapy is FDA-approved and aids in reducing or relieving symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. It can also help prevent bone fractures as women age and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
HRT is also generally safe, according to one recent study. Several decades ago, researchers noted that women taking a certain medication that combined estrogen and progestin had an increased risk of breast cancer and stroke. Many women stopped treatment, and healthcare providers became hesitant to prescribe hormone replacement therapy.
Much more is known now, and the types of hormones, doses used, and methods of administration have changed to become safer. The benefit of starting treatment between ages 50 and 60 — unlike women who were over 60 in the original study — is also understood.
Ultimately, treatment for bothersome symptoms is a decision best made by a woman and her doctor who can weigh the specific risks and benefits by taking into account age, medical and family history, and symptom severity. A medical professional can also address the different types of hormone administration and discuss the pros and cons of each.
While perimenopause and menopause are a natural part of life, that doesn't mean you have to suffer with the symptoms.
Our skilled and compassionate care team at The Healthy Woman can help determine what treatment is best and partner on the road to better health and an improved quality of life. Call us at 770-809-1100 or request an appointment online today.
