If you are close to the age of 40 and have experienced hot flashes, sudden changes in mood, or hair loss, you may be like millions of other women who experience the adverse side effects of menopause. However, these and other uncomfortable symptoms should not be interrupting your daily life or making it more challenging to engage in the activities you want or need to do. Luckily, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can provide much-needed relief from your unwanted menopausal symptoms.
HRT is frequently used to help balance the hormonal changes that occur during menopause. In New Hampshire, menopause treatment is highly individualized, requiring the development of a customized treatment plan based on your symptoms, health history, and preferences for administration. Let Dr. Edward Jacobson help you find a treatment option to fit your needs and make menopause a more comfortable experience for you.
Menopause occurs when a woman no longer gets her period, defined by at least 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. At this time – usually between the ages of 40 and 60 – a woman’s body stops reproductive function by reducing the production of estrogen. This reduction in estrogen not only affects a woman’s menstrual cycle, but can also create other changes in the body, for better or for worse. Symptoms of menopause that are related to the decreased production of estrogen include:
Not everyone who experiences menopause will have these symptoms. However, some symptoms can make daily life challenging and can be harmful if left untreated. Menopause treatment in New Hampshire can help balance hormone levels in the body to combat menopausal changes.
Depending on your symptoms and past medical history, Dr. Jacobson may recommend several types of hormone replacements to treat the adverse effects of menopause. Some treatments involve estrogen only, some involve progesterone only, and others involve a combination of the two at varying levels.
Most often, Dr. Jacobson will prescribe a combination of estrogen and progesterone to treat symptoms of menopause for patients whose uterus and ovaries are both intact. By adding a dose of progesterone into the mix, a patient’s risk of developing cancer can be reduced, making the combination of hormones safer for most patients undergoing menopause treatment.
Estrogen-only menopause treatment may be prescribed for patients who have had their uteruses removed or used as a local agent to treat vaginal dryness. In addition, progesterone-only therapies alone may effectively treat hot flashes.
Depending on the type of hormone replacement therapy you choose, there may be various options for taking the medication. For example, while most women and people with female anatomy decide to take their hormones in the form of a pill, other menopause treatment options in New Hampshire include skin patches, nasal sprays, vaginal tablets, and cream-based therapies.
Contact Dr. Jacobson today if you or a loved one is interested in learning more about menopause in New Hampshire. Discussing your concerns, symptoms, goals, and medical history will help you and Dr. Jacobson determine whether hormone replacement therapy is right for you.