Women go through a lot of hormonal fluctuations in their lives. Whether it’s puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, hormones go up and down all the time. Along with this comes a series of symptoms that many find uncomfortable and a hinderance to daily routine.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is the end of regular menstrual cycles and signals the end of your reproductive years. Most women go through menopause after the age of 40. There are a series of symptoms women who are menopausal experience. They include:
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Moodiness
- Headaches
- Changes in libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Body aches
- Hot flashes
- Sweating
The reason menopause causes these symptoms is because of an imbalance in hormones. Women have certain levels of estrogen, progestin, and progesterone in their bodies. These hormones regulate different systems. When they get out of balance (typical during menopause), a host of symptoms can develop.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective solution for relief from menopausal symptoms brought on by hormone fluctuation. It is available in a variety of forms, including:
- Oral progestins – (pill form)
- Oral estrogen (pill form)
- Estrogen patches (worn on the skin)
- Topical estrogen (creams, gels, and sprays)
- Vaginal estrogen (cream, ring, or tablet placed in the vagina)
Relief from Menopausal Symptoms
HRT for menopause treatment works to provide the body with much needed hormones that it no longer produces. Unpleasant symptoms of menopause can cause a significant disturbance in your life. It can affect your professional life, personal life, and your health. HRT can help rebalance hormones so you experience less of these symptoms.
Disease Prevention
HRT has been shown to prevent issues such as loss of bone mass. Due to hormonal changes brought on during menopause, a lot of women are susceptible to significant bone loss. This can make you more vulnerable to fractures and other injuries involving the bones. Studies show that long-term use of HRT can protect bone mass, so your risk of developing fractures decreases. HRT can even benefit your dental health by reducing the risk of tooth loss.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
HRT is also associated with higher insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance means your body does not respond well to insulin, which is needed to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. HRT in postmenopausal women contributes to insulin sensitivity and better glucose utilization.
Hormone Replacement Therapy in Atoka, Oklahoma
If you are experiencing unpleasant symptoms due to menopause, don’t lose hope. There are treatments available that can help you control them. If you are interested in hormone replacement therapy, the primary care physicians at Carrus Clinic of Atoka can evaluate your medical history and determine if HRT is right for you. They can also recommend other treatments better suited to your needs.
We are a full-service primary care clinic in Atoka. In our facility, we treat patients like family and provide medical care in a personalized and attentive manner.
To schedule a consultation, call us at (580) 364-8205. You can also request an appointment online.
