Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life when her menstrual cycles stop permanently, and she can no longer become pregnant. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. This transition is caused by normal age-related declines in the ovaries' production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
On average, women go through menopause around age 51. However, it can occur anywhere between the ages of 40-55. Every woman's experience is different.
The declining estrogen levels associated with menopause can lead to some unwanted short-term effects. But more importantly, the loss of estrogen long-term raises a woman's risk for serious health conditions like:
Estrogen plays a protective role against the development of these age-related diseases. So replacing estrogen through hormone therapy can help mitigate these risks when initiated early in menopause.
Hormone therapy (HT), including estrogen alone or combined with progestogen, is the most effective treatment option to relieve menopausal symptoms. When properly managed, it can:
In addition, starting HT early in menopause and continuing for more than 10 years provides excellent protection against heart disease and osteoporosis in many women.
So in newly menopausal women, the benefits often outweigh the risks when used for less than 4 to 5 years.
There are several delivery methods for HT to restore hormone levels:
Easy to use but can raise risk for blood clots slightly
Avoid the digestive system ‒ fewer risks
Treat vaginal and urinary symptoms effectively
Below is a comparison of the different therapy options:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Tablets | Convenient to use | Slightly higher clot risk |
| Transdermal Patches | Steady hormone levelsLower clot risk | Skin irritation |
| Vaginal Products | Relieve vaginal issuesLocal effect | Messiness |
Women should discuss the pros and cons of each option with their healthcare providers to determine what method is right for their situation.
Maintaining good nutrition and being physically active also help manage menopausal changes. Regular exercise promotes better sleep, weight control, bone strength, and cardiovascular health. Plus, it relieves stress and boosts mood.
There are many misconceptions about menopausal hormone therapy. Here are some common myths along with the real facts:
Myth: Hormone therapy causes breast cancer.
Fact: Multiple major studies found no increased risk of breast cancer related to HT use for less than 5 years.
Myth: Bioidentical hormones are safer than conventional HT.
Fact: The terms "natural" and "bioidentical" only refer to the source of the hormones. No evidence shows these are safer or more effective than approved therapies.
Myth: Menopausal hormone therapy should not be used long-term.
Fact: For women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset, extended HT use for up to 7-10 years has more benefits than risks.
Myth: Hormone therapy should not be started over age 60.
Fact: It's never too late to start HT. Many women over 60 safely use low-dose therapy for hot flash relief and fracture prevention.
Myth: HT raises heart disease risk when started in early menopause.
Fact: When initiated before age 60 or less than 10 years after menopause begins, HT results in a significantly lower risk of heart disease.
"I was having horrible hot flashes constantly throughout the day and night. They were interrupting my sleep and affecting my work. I was irritable all the time. After starting a low-dose patch, my hot flashes decreased dramatically within 2 weeks. For the first time in a long time, I felt like myself again." ‒ Sarah, 52
"Since I began using a vaginal estrogen tablet twice a week, sex is no longer painful for me. This has brought me and my husband closer together again. I wish I had not waited so long to ask my doctor about it." ‒ Emily, 56
"When I started forgetting things all the time in my early 50s, I got worried about dementia. After menopause treatment stabilized my hormone levels, my memory and concentration improved. This gave me peace of mind about my cognitive function long-term." ‒ Jessica, 54
At Renew Clinic, we understand that menopause is different for every woman. We offer personalized care tailored to your unique situation.
Our compassionate providers partner with you to determine the most appropriate treatment options based on your symptoms, risk factors, preferences, and lifestyle.
We provide ongoing monitoring, education, and support throughout the menopause transition and beyond. Our goal is for every woman to achieve optimal relief from troublesome symptoms and maximum protection from associated health risks.
We aim for all our patients to emerge from menopause feeling empowered in body and mind to continue pursuing their passions in midlife and beyond!
Menopause is a natural process that all women experience, but it can bring about various physical and emotional changes. Hormone therapy, when appropriately prescribed and monitored, can effectively manage menopausal symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term health issues. At Renew Clinic, we are dedicated to providing personalized care and support to help women navigate this transitional phase with confidence and comfort.
