
Each year more than two million women reach menopause, a transitional phase that marks the winding down of their reproductive years. Though most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, it can sometimes occur as early as the late 30s and early 40s. In the past, menopause was considered a rite of passage that women simply had to cope with. Today, we know that hormone replacement therapy effectively manages menopause symptoms and improves quality of life. Board-certified Internal Medicine Physician Emilia E. Murray of Murray's Health & Wellness in Naples, FL, dispels the myths surrounding HRT. Read on so that you can make an informed decision.
Menopause symptoms can have a significant impact on many areas of your life. Women report that symptoms like mood swings, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and weight gain interfere with their productivity at work, their relationships, and their family life at home. What’s more, the transition phase from the time you begin menopause until your ovaries finally cease production typically lasts several years. Struggling with the symptoms of menopause for several years can have a major impact on your quality of life.
Though clinical data from the 1990s raised concerns about the safety of HRT, more recent studies show that although not entirely risk-free, HRT is safe and effective for treating menopausal symptoms in most otherwise healthy women. Some women should usually avoid HRT, such as women with a history of hormone-dependent cancers and blood clots.
recommends bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), administered orally, via a cream, or with pellets inserted just under the skin. Bioidentical hormone replacement differs from traditional HRT in a number of ways. BHRT is made from plants and is molecularly identical to the hormones your body produces naturally.
The body cannot tell the difference between the hormones it produces and bioidentical hormones. Traditional HRT is made from synthetic hormones that act differently. Some HRT is made from horses and works by binding to estrogen and making the receptors more reactive. Dr. Murray believes that bioidentical hormone replacement is the best option.
Treatment with HRT is not linked to weight gain. In fact, balancing hormones with BHRT can help manage weight and promote weight loss. Hormone imbalance during menopause commonly causes weight gain, especially around the waistline. Though BHRT is not a magic weight loss solution, it can help boost energy levels and restore a healthy metabolic rate. Patients often report weight loss after having their natural hormone levels restored with BHRT.
Estrogen helps control how quickly the body breaks down bone and releases minerals from bone tissue. When your estrogen levels decline during menopause, some women are in danger of losing bone mass at a faster rate, which can lead to fractures. Hormone replacement therapy slows bone loss and helps keep your bones strong as you age.
Estrogen and progesterone have far-reaching effects on many body systems. Replacement with bioidentical hormones can help relieve the following symptoms.
Millions of women suffer from hormone-related health issues that can be improved with BioTE hormone replacement pellet therapy. For more information, reach out to Murray’s Health & Wellness. Request an appointment by calling 239-268-0057, or request a consultation via our book online today.