During perimenopause and menopause, women tend to produce much less estrogen, which can cause a number of symptoms. However, several hormone replacement therapies, including natural hormone supplements for menopause , are available today. This is a guide to help you understand these therapies.
Female Hormones and What They Do
Estrogen is a hormone that women’s ovaries produce. It prepares your uterus for fertilized egg implantation by thickening it. It also regulates and directs the usage of calcium, keeps your female organs healthy and encourages healthy cholesterol while preventing osteoporosis.
Progesterone affects your mood and ability to sleep and regulates your blood pressure. It also helps your uterus prepare for implantation and protects your pregnancies.
Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
During this time of change, when their estrogen and progesterone levels begin to decrease significantly, women experience many symptoms, from hot flashes and night sweats to vaginal dryness and the urge to urinate frequently and urgently. You may also experience dry skin, mouth and eyes. Difficulty sleeping and mood swings, including bouts of depression, are other symptoms.
Hormone Therapies
To alleviate the symptoms and help you regain the benefits of these hormones, your doctor may suggest that you have hormone therapy. Most physicians will prescribe the lowest dose of estrogen necessary to give you relief if you don’t have a uterus.
Some doctors will also prescribe a combination of progesterone and estrogen. This combined therapy is especially beneficial if you still have your uterus because it helps prevent uterine cancer.
Hormone Therapy Risks
Hormone therapy does have risks. For example, you may experience a higher rate of endometrial and breast cancer. These therapies can also increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
These therapies can also have side effects, such as monthly bleeding or spotting, breast tenderness and mood swings. You may also experience headaches, fluid retention and skin irritation.
Hormone Therapy Benefits
If you are looking for relief from severe menopause symptoms, hormone therapy may be an option. These therapies relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness. They bring moisture back to your skin, reducing itchiness. They could also improve your overall mental health.
These options also reduce your risk of osteoporosis, tooth loss, diabetes, colon cancer and death.
Hormone Therapy Alternatives
If you determine that the risks of hormone therapy are too high, you may consider other hormone-free menopause relief options. For example, your diet often has a significant impact on your menopause symptoms. While you should strive for a diet that is high in “to address health risks, such as heart disease, you should also avoid some foods, including spicy foods and those high in sugar, because they may trigger symptoms, such as hot flashes and insomnia.
Herbal remedies are also available. These options often include evening primrose oil, ginseng and black cohosh. However, you should also get regular exercise. In addition to walking, dancing and other common cardiovascular exercises, you may consider Yoga. Acupuncture also benefits your emotional and mental state.
Once you understand the symptoms and your menopause questions, such as Can you get pregnant during menopause with no period?” are answered, you can choose the therapy options that best fit your needs. Consider consulting a physician as you make this important decision
