Early Signs of Menopause
Menopause might be a natural occurrence, but that doesn't mean it’s a walk in the park. If you don’t know what to expect, it’s easy to feel concerned. Here are 10 symptoms you might experience as you near menopause.
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for You?
Getting older tends to have a bad reputation, but there’s a lot to be said for those gray hairs. You have more experience to rely on, stories to tell, and wisdom to share.
Of course, there are a few downsides to aging. Your joints creak and ache and your skin begins to wrinkle. The hormones that kept your body functioning properly also change. The good news is, we can help replenish your hormones so you can feel like yourself again.
Dr. Patricia Brougher at Bluebonnet OB/GYN along with her experienced staff specializes in treating your internal imbalances with hormone replacement therapy.
You and your hormones
From the time you hit puberty, hormones have been a constant worry. They go haywire every month during your period, spike as you go through pregnancy, and plummet as you get older.
Unfortunately, no matter how chaotic they can make you feel, you need hormones to live and function.
Hormones come from different glands all over your body and have many different functions. For example, they're in charge of regulating sleep, growth and development, metabolism, and mood. The female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are vital to your reproductive cycles and health. These are the hormones that go on a rollercoaster ride at various stages of your growth and development.
As you get older, these sex hormones start to dip and you begin to go through menopause. Menopause might be the butt of funny jokes, but the symptoms of menopause are no laughing matter. Low levels of hormones can make daily life difficult and cause serious health conditions.
Fortunately, hormone replacement therapy can replenish your depleted storage of hormones and help you feel normal again. Don’t know if it’s right for you? Ask yourself these questions to determine if hormone replacement therapy is an option:
Do you have hot flashes or night sweats?
Your hormones have lots of jobs to do. Among their responsibilities is regulating your body’s temperature. That’s why the decline in hormones caused by menopause can result in hot flashes and night sweats. Replacing your hormones can help your body better regulate its internal temperature and give you relief from symptoms.
Is your sex life suffering?
Perhaps the worst part of menopause is its impact on your vaginal health and sex life. Low sex hormones can cause vaginal dryness, itching, and burning. You can also experience significant pain with sex during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy can support your vaginal health and revitalize your sex life.
Are you worried about your bone health?
Another lesser-known side effect of menopause is osteoporosis. The low levels of estrogen in your system cause your bones to thin and weaken, leaving you at high risk for fracture. Giving your body a boost of estrogen with hormone replacement therapy can fortify your bones and stray the effects of osteoporosis.
Has menopause come early?
Menopause doesn’t always wait until you're the right age. If you’ve had your ovaries removed, stopped having your periods, or lost normal function of your ovaries before the age of 45, you might be going through menopause long before you should. There’s no need to live through menopause prematurely when you can give your body the support it needs with hormone replacement therapy.
Starting your hormone replacement therapy
Your journey back to normal starts with a consultation with Dr. Brougher. She’ll help you determine if hormone replacement is right for you and how it can best fit into your lifestyle.
Dr. Brougher encourages you to schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. It’s also best to supplement your hormone replacement therapy with a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking, stress, and alcohol if at all possible. Be sure to manage any other conditions you have like high cholesterol and blood pressure. Our team can also work with you to figure out the best diet and exercise plan.
There’s no reason to live life with an empty tank. Hormone replacement therapy can refuel your system and restore balance to your overall health.
If you’d like more information or would like to get started with an initial consultation, visit our website to schedule an appointment today.
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