Menopause is a natural part of aging, and behind the hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings is a dramatic shift in hormone levels that can affect heart health, bone strength, and even memory.
Relief is readily available in a treatment that’s been around since the 1930s and could be safer than many women realize, especially for those in perimenopause and the early stages of menopause.
“Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments for menopause,” says Heather Havener, MD, MSCP, OB-GYN and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner on the medical staff at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. “It can definitely improve your quality of life.”
For many women in menopause or approaching that stage, hormone therapy can restore balance and relieve some of the worst symptoms, according to both Dr. Havener and Christine McCrae, PA-C, MSCP, a physician assistant and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner at Methodist Family Health Center – Murphy.
But it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
“Most women are good candidates for hormone therapy,” McRae says. “There are some who are not, and that’s why it’s important to meet with a healthcare provider to discuss your family history and your personal history.”
WHAT IS HORMONE THERAPY?
McRae explains how hormone therapy “closes the gap” when a woman’s body stops producing as much estrogen naturally.
HOW RESEARCH HAS EVOLVED
Dr. Havener discusses how much the conventional wisdom around hormone therapy has changed over the last 30 years.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?
McRae explains how most women are good candidates for hormone therapy, with some notable exceptions.
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Dr. Havener welcomes the added awareness around perimenopause and menopause, and she says your doctor should be comfortable with it, too.
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