Treatment Options for Menopause
Menopause is the medical term used to describe the cessation of menstruation in women. This happens typically between the ages of 45 to 50. There are several symptoms of menopause that prove to be uncomfortable for women. Some of the most frequently experienced symptoms are:
- Hot flashes
- Mental confusion/ fogginess
- Mood swings
- Problems with libido and having sex
- Vaginal dryness
- Depression and anxiety
- Spotting
- Frequent and sudden urge to urinate
- Decreased bone density
- Increased risk of bone fractures
- Higher incidence of heart disease
Are there are treatment optionsavailable for menopause?
After a woman hits menopause, Bioidentical Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) is suggested for women to effectively reduce or eliminate the symptoms of menopause which are generally disturbing for women. The basic aim of this therapy is to supply the body with basic hormones that are no longer being produced naturally by the affected woman’s body.
What does BHRT consist of?
Typically, Hormone Replacement Therapy consists of a combination of three or more hormones- estrogen progesterone and testosterone.These may be administered to the affected woman in the form of oral medication, topical medications applied to the skin and surgically implanted hormone pellets.
In bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in women, estrogen is the primary component that is responsible for resolving problems such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
What are the specific benefits of BHRT?
The benefits of BHRT are greatly dependent on the delivery system selected for you by your physician.
Some advantages of BHRT have been listed below for the benefit of the reader:
- Systemic therapy is highly effective against night sweats and hot flashes.
- Vaginal dryness, burning and itching during sexual intercourse is resolved with the help of B
- The incidence of bone thinning has been greatly reduced with the help of this treatment.
- Low dose vaginal preparations can greatly reduce urinary symptoms as well as many vaginal symptoms.
Are there any side effects of this treatment?
There are some side effects associated with BHRT but they are generally insignificant when compared to the advantages. Some patients have experienced the following side effects after having undergone Hormonal Replacement Therapy:
- Irregular bleeding
- Headaches
- Breast swelling
- Pain and tenderness in the breasts
- Bloating
Some patients develop a temporary and artificial period. The probability of this happening depends on the prescribed dosage.