Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Help Treat Perimenopausal Symptoms?
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Like many women, you may think of menopause as something far in the distance — but the symptoms of menopause can actually start relatively early. In the 5 – 10 years leading up to menopause, many women go through perimenopause — or pre-menopause — which can also bring about a host of uncomfortable and frustrating side effects. Whether you are just starting to experience early menopause symptoms or have already entered menopause, the caring team at Professionals for Women’s Health can help you to feel more like yourself once again with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), available at all of our convenient locations in Columbus, Dublin, and Westerville, OH.
When does menopause start?
Menopause, which refers to the natural cessation of the menstrual cycle associated with a decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, typically starts when a woman is in her mid-40s to mid-50s. At this point, she may begin to notice fairly significant changes in her mood, physical comfort and appearance, energy levels, and more. Some of the most common symptoms and signs of menopause include:
- Period stops
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Pain with intercourse
- Low libido
- Brain fog
- Anxiety or depression
- Irritability
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair
- Facial hair growth
- Bone loss (osteoporosis)
Even before reaching menopause, many women develop early symptoms of menopause as their body prepares for menopause. This transitional period is referred to as perimenopause.
What are the symptoms of perimenopause?
Perimenopausal symptoms often mimic those of menopause but may be milder and intermittent. In addition to hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, signs of perimenopause often include a change in menstrual flow and frequency (irregular periods).
Does HRT help before menopause?
Women who are experiencing the signs and symptoms of early menopause, perimenopause, menopause, or even hormone imbalance unrelated to menopause may all be candidates for hormone replacement therapy. The purpose of HRT is to restore hormone levels to the normal physiologic range, which can help to mitigate — often dramatically — the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. In fact, starting HRT before menopause may help women to enjoy a more comfortable transition through perimenopause.
How soon will I feel better after starting HRT?
The first step in beginning hormone replacement therapy is to schedule a consultation with us. During this appointment, one of our expert providers will draw blood work and/or review any recent lab work you may have. Based on these results, as well as a thorough review and discussion of your concerns, health history, and any questions you may have, we will recommend a personalized HRT treatment course and dosage for you. In most cases, it takes a few months for the full effects of HRT to become apparent, though many women do report experiencing a noticeable improvement in their menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms just a few weeks after starting treatment. Over time, with consistent treatment, HRT can help to provide consistent relief from the unwanted symptoms of hormone imbalance, menopause, and other hormonal conditions.
Get back to the life you love with HRT in Central Ohio
Menopause and perimenopause don’t have to hold you back from enjoying your favorite activities and feeling confident about your appearance and other aspects of your life. With HRT, you can feel like yourself once again. Take the first step toward starting hormone replacement therapy by calling Professionals for Women’s Health to schedule your private consultation in Dublin, Westerville, or Columbus, OH today.