Many women going through menopause are in search of relief from the undesirable symptoms associated with this transition. Hormone therapy has recently become a popular way to find such relief, but what exactly is hormone therapy and what are the risks associated with it?
What is Hormone Therapy?
During menopause, a woman’s body experiences a large reduction of hormones. These low hormone levels are what cause many of the pesky problems associated with menopause such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Hormone therapy works to replace this loss of hormones, which can relieve these symptoms and ease the transition into life after menopause.
What are the Benefits of Hormone Therapy?
Aside from the easing of common menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness, there are several other pleasant outcomes that can be enjoyed as a result of hormone therapy such as:
- Prevention of bone loss and reduced risk of fractures
- Improved sleep
- Revitalized sex drive
- Overall better quality of life
The overarching goal of hormone therapy is to help women going through menopause find comfort during this inevitable transition of life. There is no reason why menopause has to be a thoroughly uncomfortable experience. Menopausal women deserve the same quality of life that they enjoyed prior to menopause, and hormone therapy is here to make that goal a reality.
Are There Risks of Hormone Therapy?
There are of course, some drawbacks to hormone therapy. The biggest risk factor revolves around the lack of knowledge regarding the long-term side effects of hormone therapy. For this reason, it is often advised for patients to receive a minimal dose for the shortest amount of time possible.
There are a few different types of hormone therapy available, which means that there are different risks associated with each type of hormone therapy. Generally, all hormone therapy treatments are associated with the following risks:
- Increase in blood clots in the veins
- Stroke
- Higher risk in those over the age of 60
Discussing Hormone Therapy with South Florida Women’s Care
It is always important to discuss possible treatment options with your doctor, who will help you objectively weigh the benefits and risks of each type of treatment.
Please contact South Florida Women’s Care in Miami, Florida to schedule your hormone therapy consultation. To schedule an appointment, call (305) 661-7766 or request an appointment online today!