Hormone Replacement therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop producing hormones, resulting in the end of her menstrual periods. It is defined as having no menstrual periods for 12 months. Perimenopause is defined as “around menopause.” It is also known as the menopause transitional phase. Common signs and symptoms of menopause and perimenopause are: changes in menstrual periods, hot flashes, night sweats, chills, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, weight gain and slowed metabolism, mood changes, thinning hair and dry skin, loss of breast fullness, leaking, frequency and urgency of urination and sexual dysfunction. To manage menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, women may choose to begin hormone therapy.

Hormone therapy is medication that contains female hormones, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone or combinations of some or all of these hormones, to replace the ones the body is no longer making. There are risks and benefits to hormone therapy.