Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, and it typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, when menstrual periods cease for at least 12 consecutive months. This natural biological process may bring significant hormonal changes that can influence long-term health in various ways. A woman’s bone density and cardiovascular function may be at higher risk for negative affects during and after menopause. Here is more information about menopause and how an OBGYN can help treat its affects:
Navigating Hormonal Shifts
Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs and reduce their output of estrogen and progesterone. An OBGYN can help women navigate this transition by monitoring symptoms and discussing treatment options. The decline in hormones triggers symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, but the effects extend far beyond these initial experiences.
Women may experience decreased bone density, leading to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk. Cardiovascular disease risk rises after menopause because of the decline in estrogen that comes during menopause. Weight gain becomes more common, particularly around the abdomen; cognitive changes, including memory difficulties and decreased concentration, can also occur during this period.
Reviewing Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy involves supplementing the body with hormones to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Common hormones used in this therapy for menopause are estrogen and progesterone. This therapy can prevent long-term issues caused by lack of estrogen, such as osteoporosis.
This treatment can also provide relief from:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood swings
Beyond symptom management, HRT helps protect bone density and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. The therapy comes in various forms. Different options may include pills, patches, gels, and vaginal preparations; various options allows for personalized treatment approaches based on individual needs and medical history.
Exploring Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are compounds that have the same molecular structure as hormones naturally produced by the human body. These hormones are derived from plant sources but are chemically identical to endogenous hormones. Traditional HRT uses hormones that may be synthetic, or they may be derived from animal sources, which have slightly different molecular structures.
Identifying Treatment Candidates
Several indicators suggest that hormone replacement therapy might help manage menopausal symptoms, and they protect long-term health from conditions like osteoporosis. Persistent hot flashes that disrupt daily activities or sleep quality represent common reasons women seek treatment. Vaginal dryness causing discomfort during intercourse or daily activities can be effectively addressed with hormone therapy.
Bone density concerns, particularly for women with a family history of osteoporosis or other risk factors, may warrant HRT discussion. Premature menopause occurs before age 40, and this typically calls for hormone replacement therapy until the natural age of menopause to protect against early bone loss and cardiovascular changes. Mood disturbances, including depression or anxiety linked to hormonal changes, sometimes respond well to hormone therapy when other interventions prove insufficient.
Find an OBGYN Near You
Menopause brings hormonal changes that can affect women’s health for years beyond the transition period itself. Hormone replacement therapy, whether traditional or bioidentical, offers a way to manage symptoms, and it potentially reduces long-term health risks of certain conditions. To learn more about menopause and how it can affect long-term health, consult an OBGYN near you.
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