Stages of Menopause – How Hormone Treatment Can Help

Menopause. It’s a word that can spark a rollercoaster of emotions. The truth is, menopause is a natural transition, and every woman experiences it differently. If you are experiencing difficult or frustrating symptoms during this transition, hormonal menopause treatment can help.

Today, we’ll explore the different stages of menopause and how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help alleviate some of the most common symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. If you’re ready to explore menopause treatment options with a team that understands your needs, look no further than HerKare. 

We offer personalized treatment plans to help you regain control and live your life to the fullest. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get your hormone levels assessed.

Fluctuating Estrogen During Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the lead-up phase to full menopause. It typically starts 8 to 10 years before your final period, and can last for several years. For most women, this starts in your early 40s, though some women may start experiencing perimenopause even earlier.

During this time, your ovaries gradually slow down egg production, leading to fluctuating estrogen levels. These hormonal shifts are the reason you might start experiencing some unwelcome changes.

Irregular periods are often the first sign of perimenopause. You might have shorter or longer cycles, heavier or lighter bleeding, or even skip periods altogether. But perimenopause isn’t just about your cycle. You may begin experiencing hot flashes, those sudden waves of heat that leave you sweaty and flushed, or night sweats that disrupt your sleep. Perhaps vaginal dryness is making intimacy uncomfortable, or mood swings are throwing your days off track. Another very common sign of decreasing estrogen is unexplained weight gain, particularly around your waist.

If you notice increasinging frequency with any of these symptoms, low-dose estrogen therapy can help. Balancing your fluctuating estrogen levels can help improve many of these perimenopausal symptoms. Talk to a healthcare provider specializing in women’s hormones can help you determine if menopause treatment is right for you and what type and dosage would work best to manage your specific symptoms.

Steadier but Lower Levels in Menopause

Menopause treatment with bioidentical hormones can help you continue to enjoy the things you love.

You will officially be in menopause when you have gone 12 months without a menstrual period. This milestone signifies the end of your reproductive years, but it’s just the beginning of a new chapter. While menopause brings changes, it also frees you from planning around your menstrual cycles. This newfound freedom can allow you to focus on your health, passions, and relationships in a whole new way.

Because your hormone levels tend to stabilize in this phase, some women find their symptoms lessen during menopause. However, even though your estrogen levels are more stable, they also tend to be much lower than they were before. This means you may continue to experience the frustration of ongoing hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain, even though you no longer have a menstrual cycle. 

The good news is that hormone replacement therapy can continue to be used during this stage of life. Bioidentical hormones can help bring up your low estrogen to a level that helps your body function more efficiently. This is important because estrogen plays many key roles in your overall health, including optimizing your metabolism, maintaining the health of your blood vessels, and protecting your bone density, amongst other benefits.

If you still have a uterus, there’s an additional consideration. Adding progestin to your estrogen therapy regimen can significantly reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, a type of uterine cancer. This combination approach offers comprehensive protection and symptom relief. 

Remember, open communication with your healthcare provider is key throughout this time. They can personalize your menopause treatment plan to address your specific needs and help ensure you feel your best during this transition.

Protecting Your Long-Term Health in Postmenopause

Postmenopause stretches out for years after your final period. During this time, estrogen levels remain consistently low, which can affect many aspects of your health. In particular, it can put you at an increased risk for developing osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more prone to fractures. 

Doctors often recommend medications called bisphosphonates as the first line of defense for osteoporosis. However, HRT can be a valuable option if you can’t tolerate bisphosphonates or haven’t found them effective. The supplemental estrogen in HRT tackles the root cause of the problem. Our bones are constantly undergoing a remodeling process, with new bone formation balanced by the breakdown of old bone. Estrogen helps tip the scales in favor of bone formation by stimulating the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building new bone tissue. With lower estrogen levels in postmenopause, this delicate balance is disrupted, leading to faster bone breakdown.

Boosted levels of estrogen also help maintain the elasticity and flexibility of blood vessels as you age, allowing them to relax and dilate properly. This translates to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease, a top health concern for postmenopausal women. When estrogen levels drop, your blood vessel health can decline, potentially leading to higher blood pressure and increased risk of heart complications over time.

Personalized Hormone Therapy – Menopause Treatment At Every Stage

Menopause unfolds differently for every woman. That’s why menopause treatment with HRT offers a powerful tool to combat common issues like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. The decision to use hormone replacement is personal and requires careful consideration with an experienced healthcare provider. 

If you’re ready to improve your symptoms and protect your long-term health throughout the coming years, HerKare is here to guide you every step of the way. We offer trusted and experienced hormone care, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support throughout your menopause journey. Contact us now and schedule your first menopause treatment appointment to get started.