If you’re experiencing any of these, your hormones may be out of balance.
Hormonal changes are natural for a woman, especially during perimenopause, which is the transitional period before menopause.
During perimenopause, hormone levels gradually decline, leading to various physical and emotional changes.
These changes can impact your overall well-being.
If you’re feeling off but can’t pinpoint why, you may be experiencing early signs you need hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Recognize the early signs of hormone imbalances, take control of your health and ensure you get the support you need.
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance in Women?
Hormonal imbalances in women happen due to several factors. Perimenopause and menopause are two of the most common causes, as they lead to a natural decline of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Other contributors include stress, thyroid disorders and specific lifestyle changes.
These factors can disrupt the balance of hormones in your body, resulting in symptoms that impact your daily life.
A study published in Women’s Health highlights that many women in perimenopause and their healthcare providers often lack sufficient education about this pivotal stage of life.
The limited awareness surrounding this phase usually leads to inadequate medical care, as both women and healthcare providers may not fully understand the need to address these changes.
Premature menopause or early menopause can also bring about these imbalances, affecting hormone levels and causing various symptoms of menopause that need attention.
7 Signs You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy
You may need hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you’re experiencing any of the following signs.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
You may suddenly feel a rush of heat, starting in your upper body and face. This feeling makes it hard to focus or feel at ease.
Night sweats, or hot flashes that hit while you sleep, can wake you up drenched in sweat, disrupting your rest and leaving your sheets damp.
These symptoms, with various intensity and frequency, often result in restless nights, irritability and difficulty concentrating during the day.
Irregular or Missed Periods
As your body’s estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, your menstrual periods may become irregular or you may experience missed periods, indicating hormonal changes.
It can also be a result of increased risk of early menopause or premature menopause, where the hormonal shifts occur earlier than usual.
Mood Swings, Anxiety or Depression
Hormonal changes can impact your emotional well-being. Many women experience mood swings, heightened anxiety or depression as a result of declining estrogen levels.
These fluctuations can affect your overall mental health and daily life.
Low Libido or Vaginal Dryness
As estrogen levels decline, you may experience vaginal dryness, discomfort and a reduced libido.
These changes can make intimacy more challenging and can affect your overall sense of well-being, impacting both physical comfort and emotional connection.
Trouble Sleeping or Insomnia
Hormonal imbalances or changes may cause sleep disturbances in women.
If you find it hard to fall or stay asleep, this could be another sign that your female hormones need attention.
Weight Gain, Especially Around the Abdomen
As your metabolism slows down due to declining hormones, weight gain, particularly around your abdomen, can occur.
A report from The University of Chicago Medicine explains that the drop in estrogen and progesterone, combined with the natural aging process, leads to metabolic changes in the body.
Metabolic changes, such as reduced muscle mass, can result in fewer calories burned and increased fat accumulation.
Brain Fog or Memory Lapses
Estrogen plays a crucial role in cognitive clarity. If you’ve been experiencing brain fog, forgetfulness or memory lapses, this could be a sign of hormonal imbalance.
Women make up about 65% of people currently living with dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. One theory for why women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease is the decline in oestrogen levels after menopause, as this hormone plays a role in brain health.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Women
HRT offers a variety of significant benefits for women experiencing hormonal imbalances and menopausal symptoms. These benefits extend beyond symptom relief, contributing to overall well-being and long-term health.
According to the 2022 position statement of the North American Menopause Society, hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for vaginal health issues, hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. It has also been shown to help prevent bone loss and fractures.
1. Relief from Menopause Symptoms
By restoring balance, HRT helps reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats, improving daily life.
2. Improved Mood and Emotional Well-being
Declining estrogen levels usually lead to mood swings, anxiety and depression. HRT can help stabilize mood, reduce feelings of irritability or sadness and improve emotional well-being, allowing women to feel more balanced and centered.
3. Boosted Energy and Vitality
Hormonal imbalances can leave women feeling fatigued and low on energy. HRT helps restore energy levels, making it easier to stay active, engaged and productive throughout the day.
4. Better Sleep Quality
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia and waking up in the middle of the night, are common during menopause due to hormonal fluctuations. HRT can help regulate sleep patterns, promoting better sleep quality and making it easier to feel rested and rejuvenated.
5. Protection Against Bone Loss
As estrogen levels decline, women are at increased risk of bone loss and osteoporosis. HRT helps maintain bone density, protecting against fractures and bone-related complications that can arise as women age.
6. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
Estrogen plays a protective role in cardiovascular health, and its decline can increase the risk of heart disease. HRT can help reduce the risk of heart disease by managing hormonal imbalances that negatively affect cardiovascular function.
7. Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis
Beyond bone density, HRT helps improve the overall strength and health of bones, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
8. Cognitive Health Support
Estrogen is essential for cognitive function, and its decline can lead to memory lapses and brain fog. HRT can help improve focus, memory and mental clarity, promoting better cognitive health as women age.
A study published in the Alzheimer’s Association showed that menopausal hormone therapy was found to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, with longer therapy durations and natural steroid formulations enhancing its effectiveness.
HRT benefits address both immediate symptoms and long-term health risks. It also supports women’s health during a critical time of life.
What Are the Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy?
While HRT offers many benefits, it can cause side effects. The risks depend on the type of HRT, personal health history and risk factors like breast cancer, heart disease and blood clots.
Women with a history of breast cancer or blood clots may face higher risks.
A study in Postgraduate Medicine concluded that bioidentical hormones, which are chemically identical to those hormones produced naturally by the body, are associated with lower risks, including a reduced chance of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, and are more effective than synthetic or animal-derived hormones.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) emphasizes tailoring therapy to each individual to ensure appropriate treatment.
They recommend using the best available evidence to maximize benefits, minimize risks and periodically reassess if continuing therapy is still appropriate.
Ultimately, discussing the risks of HRT with a healthcare provider is crucial to understanding your risks and making an informed decision about treatment options.
Why Choose KC Wellness Center?
At KC Wellness Center, we help identify the signs that may indicate your need for hormone replacement therapy.
We customize your treatment plan based on the exact levels of your estrogen and other hormone test results.
Whether you’re dealing with the symptoms of menopause or other hormone-related issues, we are here to guide you through treatment options that are right for you.
Take Action Early for Better Health
If you’re noticing any of the signs you need hormone replacement therapy mentioned above, don’t dismiss them as “just aging.”
Hormonal changes can impact your health, and early intervention can significantly improve your condition.
Don’t wait until your symptoms worsen. Hormonal imbalances, if left unchecked, can contribute to serious long-term health issues.
Schedule your hormone health evaluation today and start your journey toward feeling your best.
Frequently Asked Question
How is hormone replacement therapy administered?
HRT can be delivered in several forms, including pills, skin patches, creams, gels, vaginal rings, or injections. The method is chosen based on your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle preferences.
At what age should women start considering hormone replacement therapy?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but many women consider HRT during perimenopause or early menopause, typically between ages 45 and 55. However, some may require treatment earlier due to premature or surgical menopause.
How long does it take for hormone replacement therapy to start working?
Most women begin to notice improvements within a few weeks, but it can take up to 3 months to feel the full benefits of HRT. The timeline varies depending on the individual and the form of HRT used.
Dr. Rahul Kapur, M.D. is a board-certified family medicine physician with a dedicated passion for integrative medicine and a deep knowledge of functional medicine. He was named intern of the year at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS, and has been practicing as a hospitalist for over a decade. He has successfully helped many patients in Kansas City with his specialized IV bags, ketamine therapy, hormone optimization and weight loss therapy methods.
