The transition into menopause, medically referred to as perimenopause, is a natural part of aging that typically occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55. As the ovaries gradually produce fewer reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone, periods become irregular and eventually stop completely. This reduction in hormones often leads to unpleasant symptoms that can significantly impact one's quality of life.
Many women experience a variety of bothersome signs and symptoms as they approach menopause, including:
If you are in the Chatham area and struggling through menopause or perimenopause, know that you don’t have to endure these unpleasant symptoms or “grin and bear it”. The providers at Renew Hormone Institute specialize in customized menopause treatment plans to help women find relief during this transition. Read on to learn about your hormone therapy options and why it’s so important to address hormone deficiencies.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers an effective way to replenish declining hormones, alleviate unpleasant menopause symptoms, and can also provide protective health benefits.
Estrogen therapy is excellent for reducing the severity and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats. Topical vaginal estrogen ease vaginal dryness, irritation, and painful intercourse. For many women, this alone is life-changing.
Estrogen HRT may reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis and bone fractures later in life. There is also evidence it can benefit heart health by improving cholesterol levels if started early on.
If menopausal mood swings, anxiety, or memory problems are disrupting your daily life, know that estrogen therapy can help stabilize moods and support cognitive health. Recent (.edu/womens-health/the-truth-about-hormone-therapy-and-cognition) even suggests estrogen started soon after menopause may help fend off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Restoring hormones to normal premenopause levels can also renew energy, spark libido, improve sleep, promote weight loss, reduce hair loss, and give skin a more youthful glow.
Today's hormone therapy is safer with lower hormone doses, better forms of estrogen, and progestin to protect the uterus. When initiated before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, hormone therapy is generally considered safe for most women. Of course, your provider will consider your individual risk factors.
In summary, hormone replacement therapy offers safe, highly-effective relief from disruptive menopause symptoms while also promoting long-term health as women age. Don't assume you just have to put up with the misery! Renew Hormone Institute providers offer customized treatment plans to help women enjoy life again.
There are a variety of hormone therapy preparations and routes of administration to choose from. The Renew Hormone Institute team specializes in finding the optimal regimen based on your symptoms, health history, hormone levels, lifestyle needs, and preferences.
Estrogen is the foundational hormone therapy for relieving hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal atrophy symptoms, supporting bone health, and more. The main estrogen options include:
For women with a uterus, progestin therapy is needed alongside estrogen to prevent overgrowth of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia) that can lead to cancer. The options differ in side effects and safety profiles:
While hormone replacement therapy is the most effective medical treatment for relieving disruptive perimenopause and menopause symptoms, making certain lifestyle adjustments can provide additional relief and support your overall health during this transition.
Fitness - Regular exercise helps reduce hot flashes/night sweats and improves sleep, mood, weight management, cardiovascular health, bone density, and cancer protection. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week as your fitness allows. Walking trails, yoga studios, and gyms abound in Chatham and surrounding towns.
Nutrition - Eat a balanced diet focused on whole foods - vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts/seeds, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated, limit caffeine/alcohol/spicy foods that can trigger hot flashes, and get enough calcium and Vitamin D for bone health.
Stress management - Chronic stress exacerbates menopausal symptoms and health risks. Set aside time each day for stress-relieving practices like meditation, deep breathing, journaling, enjoyable hobbies, or sipping herbal tea. Connecting with others also buffers stress; join a support group or lean on close friends and family during this transition.
Healthy sexuality - Declining estrogen dries out vaginal tissues making intercourse painful for many women. Use vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, engage in non-penetrative intimacy, communicate with your partner, and know that sex can still be enjoyable through and beyond menopause. Discuss options with your provider.
Quit smoking - Smoking worsens hot flashes and numerous other health problems. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs and aids if needed.
Research shows cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, yoga, and self-care techniques can be as effective as hormone therapy for managing some menopausal symptoms. These non-medical approaches, focused on coping strategies and lifestyle changes, give women alternatives that avoid the potential health risks of long-term hormone use.
The compassionate providers at Renew Hormone Institute offer specialized expertise in perimenopause and menopause care for women throughout the Chatham region:
We understand the profoundly disruptive toll menopause can take when hormones diminish and communicate openly about symptoms many women find embarrassing. You can trust our expertise and empathy. Contact Renew Hormone Institute today to schedule a new patient appointment where we will listen with compassion then personalize an effective treatment plan so you can start feeling like yourself again.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Patient Testimonials
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Quote 1: "I finally feel sane again thanks to hormone therapy! No more hot flashes and mood swings ruining my days. I wish I'd come to Renew Hormone Institute sooner." - Jane D., age 52
Quote 2: "My sex drive and vaginal discomfort improved dramatically with treatment. I have my spark back thanks to Renew Hormone Institute!" - Lauren W., age 49
