Menopause is that time in a woman’s life when she naturally stops having her menstrual periods. When the ovaries no longer make estrogen, menopause occurs. Estrogen is the female sex hormone that governs the menstrual cycle. When you undergo menopause, you have reached the end of your reproductive years. Women are on average 51 years old when they go through menopause. Many women have gotten relief from their symptoms of menopause by undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
Perimenopause is the stage that leads up to menopause. As you move into your thirties and forties, your estrogen levels start to fluctuate. Changes in your menstrual cycle can indicate that you are entering perimenopause. Your periods may become shorter or longer than usual or you may start skipping periods. The flow amount may be lighter or heavier at this time.
Perimenopause Symptoms
Some women do not develop perimenopause symptoms or only have very mild symptoms. Others can have severe symptoms. Some common symptoms of perimenopause include:
Hot flashes: Hot flashes occur when you experience a sudden feeling of rushing heat in your face or upper body. Hot flashes have durations ranging from a few seconds to several minutes, or even longer. Some women only experience the symptoms a few times each month, while others suffer from them several times daily. Night sweats are hot flashes that occur at night, which may lead you to waking up and feeling sluggish or tired the following day.
Changes to the urinary tract and vagina: As your estrogen levels begin declining, the vaginal lining may become drier, thinner, and lose elasticity. This could result in pain during intercourse or more frequent vaginal infections.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy has helped many women relieve the symptoms of both perimenopause and menopause. The treatment involves bio-identical hormone pellets that are able to regulate your hormone levels effectively without you needing to worry about taking a pill or getting injections.
Progesterone is delivered along with estrogen for those who have uteruses. If women take estrogen without progesterone, it increases their risk of developing uterine lining cancer. Progesterone lowers the risk of developing this form of cancer by making the endometrium thinner. Those who have undergone a hysterectomy do not normally need to take progesterone.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Benefits
Estrogen therapy has been found to be the best type of treatment for relieving hot flashes and night sweats. It also helps in relieving vaginal dryness. Systemic estrogen therapy guards against bone loss that can occur early in menopause and can help to prevent both hip and spine fractures.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are currently suffering from the symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, you may benefit from hormone replacement therapy at Ciao Bella Medical Center and Spa in Newnan, GA. Please contact us today to schedule your initial consultation!