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Contents
  • Starting Hormone Therapy
  • Types of Hormone Therapy
  • Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment
  • Stopping Hormone Therapy

Hormone Therapy for Menopause: What to Expect

Hormone Therapy for Menopause: What to Expect

Treatment Decoded

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) can effectively relieve hot flashes and other symptoms. Understanding the process can help you make informed decisions about this treatment option.
Contents
  • Starting Hormone Therapy
  • Types of Hormone Therapy
  • Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment
  • Stopping Hormone Therapy

Starting Hormone Therapy

Your doctor will assess your symptoms, health history, and risk factors to determine if MHT is right for you. Treatment usually starts with a low dose, which can be increased if needed. Estrogen is the main hormone used, with progestin added for women who still have a uterus.

Types of Hormone Therapy

MHT comes in various forms: pills, patches, gels, and vaginal preparations. Systemic therapy (pills or patches) treats whole-body symptoms like hot flashes. Low-dose vaginal estrogen treats only vaginal and urinary symptoms. Your doctor will help choose the best option for you.
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is used to relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and vaginal discomfort. It involves the administration of estrogen, often combined with progestin.

Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment

Regular follow-ups are important to assess symptom relief and check for side effects. Your doctor may adjust the dose or type of hormone therapy as needed. Annual mammograms and pelvic exams are typically recommended while on MHT.

Stopping Hormone Therapy

MHT is usually used for 3-5 years or until age 60. When it's time to stop, your doctor will likely recommend tapering off slowly to minimize symptom recurrence. Some women may need to use MHT longer if benefits outweigh risks.

FAQs

How quickly does MHT work?

Many women notice improvement in 2-4 weeks.

Are there side effects?

Possible effects include breast tenderness and bleeding, usually temporary.

Is 'bioidentical' hormone therapy better?

No evidence shows it's safer or more effective than FDA-approved options.

Can I use MHT if I've had breast cancer?

Generally not recommended due to increased recurrence risk.

Will I gain weight on MHT?

MHT doesn't typically cause weight gain.

Personalized Approach

Hormone therapy can be a valuable tool for managing menopause when used appropriately.
Consult with Doctronic to discuss if hormone therapy is the right choice for your menopausal symptoms and health goals.
Additional References
  1. The North American Menopause Society. The 2022 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2022; 29:767.
  2. Stuenkel CA, et al. Treatment of Symptoms of the Menopause: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015; 100:3975.
  3. Manson JE, et al. Menopausal hormone therapy and health outcomes during the intervention and extended poststopping phases of the Women's Health Initiative randomized trials. JAMA 2013; 310:1353.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.