Hormone replacement therapy is becoming more common in treating the aggravating symptoms of menopause. As you get older, your body starts producing less estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which can cause hormonal imbalance and menopausal symptoms. If you’re suffering from depression, hot flashes, insomnia, headaches, painful sex, and other frustrating symptoms, hormone therapy is a treatment option to consider. Keep reading to find out the benefits of hormone replacement therapy for women!
1. Relieves uncomfortable menopause symptoms
The main purpose of hormone replacement therapy for women is to relieve menopause symptoms, including:
- Night sweats and hot flashes
- Headaches
- Vaginal dryness/discomfort
- Itchy skin
- Urinary urgency
- Dry eyes and/or dry mouth
Hormone replacement therapy comes in a variety of forms, so you can take the necessary dosage of estrogen and/or progestin via pill, cream, vaginal ring, patch, or spray. You’ll be able to discuss the different options with your healthcare provider to find one that works best for your unique needs.
2. Improves sleep
Insomnia can be one of the most debilitating menopause symptoms that begins to affect your overall physical and mental health. From night sweats to the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, hormone replacement therapy has proven to be beneficial in improving your quality of life and ensuring you’re getting the rest you need.
3. Increases sex drive
Many things can affect your libido, and a hormone imbalance caused by menopause is one of the most common. Hormone replacement therapy helps not only increase your sex drive but also regulates reproductive hormone levels so that sex is less painful and more enjoyable.
4. Assists in weight loss and management
It’s important to realize that hormone replacement therapy is not a miracle weight loss treatment; however, it does regulate hormone levels which can be a hindrance to weight loss. Along with diet and exercise, you may be able to lose weight or manage your current weight a little easier.
5. Strengthens bones and muscles
While taking hormone replacement therapy, you may experience less muscle and joint aches, and it also helps maintain muscle mass and strength. Also, the risk of osteoporosis, a common disease in menopausal women, is reduced, and you’ll be less likely to experience a bone fracture, as estrogen has been linked to preventing bone loss.
6. Slows down aging in the skin
Another one of the benefits of hormone replacement therapy is the increased production of collagen in the skin, resulting in a maintained thickness and elasticity of the skin, meaning fewer wrinkles and sagging. Again, this treatment will not drastically take away all of your wrinkles or stop the aging process altogether, but noticeable, positive results can occur.
7. Balances mood swings
As hinted at earlier, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy for women are significant for mental health and wellness. Feelings of depression and anxiety are decreased, as well as mood swings. Hormone therapy can eliminate brain fog and boost concentration, making it a powerful treatment for women suffering from menopause symptoms.
With the knowledge of these 7 benefits of hormone replacement therapy for women, you can now make an informed decision with your healthcare provider about whether or not this treatment is right for you. Our local pharmacy is here to be a resource for you, and our staff is ready and willing to answer any questions you may have.