Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for You? Here’s What Women Need to Know

 Estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and testosterone are all essential hormones in a woman’s body. But these hormones, especially estrogen, begin to become less prevalent as you age, sometimes causing unbearable symptoms, beginning during perimenopause.

If you’re experiencing night sweats, hot flashes, weight gain, or mood swings, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may provide relief. At OB/GYN North Dallas, our nine expert OB/GYN physicians offer HRT for perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal disorders.

We’re experienced in providing women with compassionate care and up-to-date treatments for everything from prenatal care to mammograms and menopause.

Understanding HRT

We utilize hormone replacement therapy to replace certain hormones to restore balance to the body’s reproductive system. For women, we offer HRT during menopause or perimenopause and for women experiencing certain hormone disorders.

The goal of HRT is to restore hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone, when they decline. This decline either happens naturally as a woman ages or because of certain deficiencies or hormone disorders.

There are several options for HRT, including estrogen-only options or compounded estrogen and progesterone. It comes in pellets, creams, and vaginal suppositories.

Is HRT right for me?

Not every woman with hormone problems is a candidate for HRT. We may suggest HRT if menopausal symptoms interfere with daily life or persist despite lifestyle changes.

If you are going through menopause with symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, or sexual dysfunction that disrupt your daily life, HRT can help restore balance and improve function.

Women who go through menopause before the age of 40 or who have their ovaries surgically removed are also good candidates for HRT. The treatment restores lost hormones, helping you feel more like yourself.

Benefits of HRT

HRT helps women cope with declining estrogen and progesterone by minimizing menopausal symptoms for a smoother transition.

HRT also improves bone health in menopausal women. A decline in estrogen enhances the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, but HRT restores the balance and strengthens bones.

Your cardiovascular health also improves with HRT by improving metabolic function and reducing the risk of heart disease. It may also reduce the risk of developing diabetes in women who are at risk.

HRT improves your mood and cognitive function and can help you sleep better, especially when going through menopause.

Are there any risks?

HRT does come with a few risks, as do most medical treatments. The most prevalent risks include blood clots, stroke, gallbladder disease, and breast cancer.

We assess your health and family history to determine whether HRT is safe for you. We aim to use the lowest dose for the shortest duration to ensure your safety and symptom improvement.

Take the next step toward feeling like yourself with HRT by calling our Plano, Texas, office today or using our convenient online booking tool.