Managing Menopause Symptoms with Hormone Therapy

The transition to menopause can be a challenging time. Menopause usually occurs around age 50, and is defined as 12 months after your last menstrual period. However, hormone changes often begin years earlier.
These earlier years are called perimenopause and typically start in the mid-40s. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, causing changes in your menstrual cycle. Periods may become irregular, lighter, or heavier than usual.

Common Menopause Symptoms

Menopause affects everyone differently. Some people have mild symptoms, while others experience changes that interfere with their daily life. Common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes, which feel like sudden warmth in the upper body and face
• Sleep problems, often caused by night sweats or trouble falling asleep
• Vaginal dryness, which may cause discomfort during sex or increase the risk of urinary tract infections
• Bladder issues, such as frequent urination or strong urges
• Mood changes, including irritability

If menopause symptoms are disrupting your life, talk with your healthcare provider. Many treatment options are available, including hormone therapy.

What Is Hormone Therapy?

Hormone therapy uses medication to help relieve menopause symptoms by replacing some of the estrogen and progesterone your body no longer produces.
There are two main types of hormone therapy:

• Systemic therapy, such as pills, skin patches, gels, or sprays. These treatments enter the bloodstream and help ease whole-body symptoms, such as hot flashes.
• Local therapy, such as vaginal rings, tablets, or creams. These release small amounts of estrogen directly into vaginal tissue and are often used for vaginal dryness.

Is Hormone Therapy Safe?

For many healthy women, hormone therapy is a safe and effective way to treat hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Improving these symptoms may also help with sleep, mood, and sexual health.
Hormone therapy is not right for everyone. Risks depend on the type of therapy used, when you begin, and your overall health.
Possible risks include:

• Estrogen-only therapy can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Adding progestin lowers this risk for those who still have a uterus.
• Combination therapy may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer and heart attack.
• All hormone therapies are linked to a slight increase in the risk of blood clots and stroke.

For most healthy women who start hormone therapy before age 60 and within 10 years of their last period, these risks are generally low.

Other Treatment Options

If hormone therapy is not right for you, non-hormonal medications may help manage menopause symptoms. Your provider can help you decide what option is best.
“If you have concerns about your hormone levels, a good place to start would be talking with your primary care provider, who could then refer you to an endocrinologist,” Dr. Ashraf Uddin, DO with Riverside Healthcare endocrinology, says. “If left untreated, hormone imbalances can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain or weight loss, depression, anxiety, and more.”

Get Help with Menopause Care

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call Riverside Endocrinology Specialists at (815) 936-8909 or visit riversidehealthcare.org/services/diabetes-and-endocrinology. Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; JAMA; Menopause Society