7 Menopausal Symptoms That Hormone Replacement Therapy can Alleviate

As you approach and enter menopause, your hormone levels fluctuate and then drop. This change in hormone levels, particularly estrogen, is responsible for many of the most bothersome menopause symptoms, from hot flashes to fatigue. 

At A Woman’s Wellspring, Stephanie Taylor, MD, PhD, offers multiple solutions for the discomfort that often accompanies menopause, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT). 

In this month’s blog, Dr. Taylor, located in Carmel, California, breaks down the most common menopausal symptoms that HRT can help alleviate. 

1. A plummeting sex drive

Estrogen and progesterone are the primary female reproductive hormones and affect your sex drive. As a result, decreased libido is a prevalent symptom of menopause. Hormone replacement therapy can help restore your libido, leading to a 

more satisfying sex life.

2. Vaginal dryness

Estrogen also acts as a natural vaginal lubricant. As estrogen levels in your body decline during perimenopause and menopause, the tissue lining your vagina thins and becomes drier, making sex painful. Your bladder and the tube running from it (the urethra) also thin and become weaker, which can cause frequent urination and can increase your risk of urinary tract infections. 

3. Hot flashes

A drop in estrogen levels makes your internal thermostat more sensitive to changes in temperature. As a result, the body overreacts to slight temperature increases, triggering hot flashes. Hormone replacement therapy is highly effective in reducing or eliminating this pesky symptom.

4. Chronic fatigue

Hormones influence energy levels, too. If you’re constantly fatigued and have low energy levels, HRT can help you keep up with your daily activities and enjoy an active lifestyle. 

5. Mood swings and irritability

Hormonal imbalance can impact your mood and emotional well-being, as well. Since HRT regulates hormone levels, it can help you enjoy improved emotional stability and a more positive outlook. Antidepressants are another potential option for treating depressive symptoms during and after menopause. 

6. Weight gain

Hormones affect the way your body stores fat. That means a hormonal imbalance can make losing weight hard — even if you exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.

Hormonal imbalance can cause weight gain, particularly in your midsection. 

7. Decreased muscle mass and loss of strength

Hormonal imbalance can trigger changes in body composition, including weight gain. Even if you haven’t changed your workout routine, you might lose muscle mass and strength.

Decreased muscle mass and strength can make it harder to maintain an active lifestyle, but HRT can help. Rebalancing your hormones can help fight the loss of muscle mass and increase your quality of life.

Dr. Taylor helps her patients decide if HRT is their best choice for remedying perimenopause and menopausal symptoms. She reviews your medical history, symptoms, and health. Depending on your needs, she may recommend HRT creams, gels, injections, or implantation pellets.

If you’re entering menopause and dealing with any of the symptoms above, schedule an appointment at A Woman’s Wellspring today. Relief awaits.