Menopause. It’s a natural biological process that every woman will go through at some point in her life. But that doesn’t make it any less daunting. Symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, and mood swings can make menopause feel natural. That’s where hormone replacement therapy near me comes in.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that replaces the hormones your body is no longer producing during menopause. By restoring the levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body, HRT can help alleviate many uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause. In addition, HRT can also help protect against osteoporosis and heart disease.

If you’re considering HRT, you must speak with your doctor to decide if it’s the proper treatment. In the meantime, read on to learn more about the different types of HRT available and the potential risks and benefits associated with each one.

Types of HRT

There are two main types of hormone replacement therapy: systemic and localized. Systemic therapy refers to treatments that affect your entire body, such as pills, patches, gels, and creams applied to your skin and implants placed under your skin. Localized therapy delivers hormones directly to specific areas of your body affected by menopause, such as vaginal dryness or hot flashes. Here are some common forms of HRT:

1.     Pills:

Tablet forms of HRT are easy to take and typically work well to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. However, they can also come with unwanted side effects like bloating, headaches, and breast tenderness. You may also be at an increased risk for stroke or blood clots when taking oral forms of HRT.                                                                                                                                                 

2.     Skin patches:

Patches are another popular form of systemic HRT. They deliver a steady supply of hormones through your skin directly into your bloodstream and generally cause fewer side effects than pills or other forms of systemic HRT. However, skin patches can irritate the site where they’re applied.

3.     Creams/gels:

These forms of topical HRT are applied directly to the skin surface and then absorbed into the bloodstream. They tend to be more expensive than other forms of local HRT but are generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects.

4.     Vaginal ring:

The vaginal ring is a plastic ring inserted into the vagina, releasing a steady stream of hormones directly to the area affected by menopause (i.e., vaginal dryness). Rings must be replaced every 3-4 weeks and can cause local side effects like yeast infections or irritation.

5.     Injections/implants:

Injections or implants are typically used as a last resort for women who can’t tolerate other forms of HRT or have had unsuccessful results with other treatments. They deliver a high dose of hormones directly into the bloodstream and can last anywhere from 3-12 months before they need to be replaced.

Conclusion:

Hormone replacement therapy is a safe and effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. However, it’s essential to speak with your doctor before starting any form of HRT to ensure it’s the proper treatment. Additionally, discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with each type of HRT so you can make an informed decision about your care.