8 Signs You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy

You may have heard about hormone replacement therapy for women and been wondering what it’s all about. All women undergo menopause which is a natural, biological process that occurs when you’ve reached the end of your childbearing years. Menopause can start from as early as your 40’s, however, the average age is around 51.

Menopause is usually accompanied by symptoms like night sweats, low libido, night sweats, and more. Did you know that you can find relief from these symptoms with hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? But what is it exactly, and how do you know it is the perfect choice for you?

Hormone Replacement Therapy: What Is It?

With the onset of menopause, your body stops producing estrogen which is the reason behind menopausal symptoms. During hormone replacement therapy, a certified medical professional that specialise in hormone replacement therapy might prescribe medication that contains estrogen. When taken daily, the treatment can offer some much-needed relief from menopausal symptoms. In addition, hormone therapy comes with a range of added benefits like preventing bone loss and lowering the chances of bone fractures.

8 Signs You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy

Some women have hardly any symptoms with the onset of menopause and can often get by with some natural remedies for menopausal symptoms. However, for some, this is not the case and menopause can be a bumpy and uncomfortable ride. Here are signs you need hormone therapy:

Low Libido

Due to your declining estrogen levels, you might notice chances in your libido, and you might even have trouble becoming sexually aroused. One of the other symptoms of menopause is thinning of the vaginal tissues as well as vaginal dryness, which makes intercourse uncomfortable, and even painful.  However, not all women are created equal, so for some, this is not an issue.

If you are concerned about your sexual health, don’t feel embarrassed to ask your hormone replacement clinic questions or divulge some of the concerns you have. They have the knowledge and expertise to prescribe treatment that is appropriate for your individual needs.

Chronic Vaginal Burning And Itching

Issues like a sexually transmitted disease or a yeast infection might cause vaginal burning and itching. However, another cause for continued itching and burning might be low estrogen levels that is a leading cause for vaginal thinning and itching (referred to as vaginal atrophy). If you have chronic atrophy, you must book an appointment with your health practitioner. Estrogen keeps your vagina naturally lubricated, but if you’re going through menopause, you have a lack of estrogen which causes vaginal itching and burning.

Nights Sweats

Fluctuating hormone levels can impact your body’s internal temperature regulation. This causes your blood vessels to expand, resulting in night sweats. This issue is also commonplace in women who undergo perimenopause which occurs during the years leading up to menopause.

Mood Changes

It’s normal for everyone to experience mood swings at times, however, during menopause, hormonal fluctuations happen more often. The intensity level of these mood changes can sometimes interfere with daily activities. Healthy activities like working out, following a balanced and nutritious diet, and doing yoga or medication can help. However, sometimes despite your best efforts, you still need additional help. A hormone replacement medical doctor can assist.

Insomnia

Many people suffer from insomnia, however, I bet you didn’t know that one of the symptoms of menopause is falling and staying asleep.

Insomnia can lead to:

• Feelings of anxiety and/or depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory issues
• Increased risk of chronic medical issues like heart disease and hypertension

Hair Loss

With declining estrogen levels during menopause, you might also experience hair loss. If you suspect menopause is the culprit behind your hair loss, then it’s worth considering hormone replacement therapy prescribed according to your individual needs.

Hot Flashes

One of the most commonplace symptoms of menopause is hot flashes. It happens due to a lack of estrogen which messes with your body’s internal “ thermostat” (referred to as the hypothalamus). Your hypothalamus subsequently miscalculates how cold or hot you actually are, causing a chain of events that results in a hot flash.

Urinary Issues

With declining estrogen levels during menopause another annoying symptom is urinary problems. A lack of estrogen weakens the urethra (a narrow tube) that is responsible for allowing urine from kidneys to exit your body. Subsequently, menopausal women might find it challenging to get to the bathroom in time. It’s also commonplace for urine to leak when you sneeze, cough, or laugh (this is called urinary stress incontinence).

Final Thoughts

We hope you have found our post about 8 signs you need hormone replacement therapy, insightful. As far as estrogen replacement goes, there is not a single solution that works for all women. That is why it’s essential to visit an experienced and licensed medical professional to evaluate your individual situation and formulate a solution specifically catered to your needs.