The Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

Many people experience the signs of aging as our youthful hormone levels reduce. We can start to experience lower energy level or loss of libido. More often than not, women going through menopause experience other signs such as loss of mental acuity and memory.

Hormone replacement therapy can help women slow down those signs of aging and regain a more youthful feeling. Other benefits of this therapy include:

• Memory boost
• Higher energy levels
• Stronger physique
• Improved bone density and strength
• Normalization of blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Improved skin tone

Additionally, women who are experiencing or approaching menopause, hormone replacement therapy can help reduce symptoms such as hot flashes or night sweats. Additionally, it can help relieve tension or anxiety.

Hormone replacement therapy basically supplements the levels of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone due to the normal aging process.

There are three types of hormone replacement therapy for women:

• Cyclical or sequential therapy for women who are still menstruating, but who experience the signs of menopause.
• Continuous HRT for post-menopausal women
• Estrogen only HRT that is used for women who have undergone a hysterectomy and do not need progesterone replacement.

While there are certain risks associated with hormone replacement therapy, the benefits may outweigh the risks. If you are healthy, you may benefit from hormone replacement therapy if you:

• Are experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes
• Have lost bone mass and are not benefiting from other treatments
• Are experience early or premature menopause or have lost normal ovarian function before the age of 40

Do You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy?

If you feel you can benefit from hormone replacement therapy, you should consult a knowledgeable and experienced physician who understands this type of therapy.

Your physician will evaluate your individual case. This will be done through a series of comprehensive diagnostic tests, including urine, saliva, blood and hair testing. This series of tests is called a hormonal panel and will provide the physician with a look at current hormone levels. Because each individual has different hormone requirements, an individualized plan will be created to help you look and feel better. This plan can include bio-identical or synthetic hormones depending upon your individual needs. However, bio-identical hormones have been proven to be safer and more effective than older, synthetic hormones.