Hormonal Therapy Specialist

Why are my hormones changing?

Menopause is a time of transition, marking the end of your reproductive years and the start of a new chapter. Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing estrogen. However, estrogen begins to fluctuate as early as your 30s and 40s. 

You may notice changes in your body as you transition through menopause. Your menstrual cycles may become longer or shorter than usual. You may begin to skip periods and experience other symptoms, some of which are quite uncomfortable. In such cases, Sovereign Women's Healthcare offers hormonal therapy to ease you through your transition.

What are the signs of hormonal changes?

Symptoms of perimenopause (the period before menopause) and menopause vary. Some women experience just a few mild symptoms, while others suffer severe symptoms. 

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Vaginal dryness
• More frequent urination
• More urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Although it goes mostly unnoticed, you also lose bone rapidly in the first 4-8 years after menopause. The rapid loss is due to decreased levels of estrogen. Too much bone loss increases your risk for osteoporosis, which can make you more susceptible to broken bones.

Hormonal therapy, however, can rebalance your hormone levels by replacing the hormones your body no longer makes.

What is hormonal therapy?

Hormone therapy is administered in various forms to replace the hormones estrogen and progestin. The treatment offers many health benefits, including lowering your risk of colon cancer, protecting against bone loss, and relieving menopausal symptoms.

Taking progestin helps reduce your risk of uterine cancer, which is a possibility if you take estrogen alone. Dr. Harrison discusses the risks and benefits of hormonal therapy to customize a plan that’s appropriate for you.

How do I take hormone therapy?

Estrogen therapy comes in several convenient forms, including:

• Spray
• Skin patch
• Pills
• Gel

These methods release estrogen into your bloodstream, where the hormone travels to the tissues and organs where it’s needed. If you’re also taking progestin, it can be combined with estrogen in the same pill or patch, or taken separately. 

If you're experiencing symptoms like vaginal dryness, Dr. Harrison may prescribe a vaginal ring, tablet, or cream. These treatments deliver small doses of estrogen to your vaginal tissue.

Menopause is a natural life transition that may lead to unwelcome changes in your body, but hormonal therapy can help you feel like yourself again. Take a step for your health today by calling or booking a consultation with Sovereign Women's Healthcare.