Low estrogen levels in the body can lead to several symptoms in women experiencing menopause. To achieve a healthy balance, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This therapeutic remedy can restore estrogen levels and improve your quality of life. Here’s what you should know to determine if it’s right for you.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Estrogen maintains the reproductive system and contributes to a healthy vagina. Levels of estrogen in the body naturally drop during menopause, leading to varied symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, shifts in mood, insomnia, vaginal dryness, general fatigue, dry skin, and depression.

Hormone replacement therapies contain female hormones, and they’re formulated to restore balance to the body. There are many different types available, including pills, creams, and patches.

What Happens During the Process?

It depends on the type of therapy that you elect to use. Systemic estrogen is derived from a pill or a topical product, like a spray or a gel.

It’s either consumed or applied and then absorbed by the body. Doctors may prescribe this to treat any type of menopausal symptom.

By contrast, low-dose vaginal estrogen is available in tablet and cream formulations. There’s less estrogen in these preparations because they’re formulated only to treat symptoms that affect the vagina.

Unless you’ve had a hysterectomy, your doctor will likely prescribe progestin or progesterone alongside the estrogen therapy to minimize your risk of developing endometrial cancer.

How Can You Tell if It’s Right for You?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate to receive hormone replacement therapy. Those who have a family history of heart disease, stroke, cancer, or liver disease may be at greater risk of suffering serious side effects, including blood clots, breast cancer, and heart problems. If your doctor doesn’t believe it’s a safe option for you, there are other techniques that may help you manage menopausal symptoms effectively, including medications without hormones and breathing techniques.  

If you’re interested in learning more about hormone replacement therapy, turn to Summit Rejuvenation Centers in St. Peters and Chesterfield, MO. These professionals are committed to your comfort, and they’ll work closely with you every step of the way to develop an estrogen replacement solution that’s right for you. To find out more about their hormone therapy options, visit their website, or call (636) 477-6167 to schedule an appointment.