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At menopause, a woman's body makes less estrogen and she stops having menstrual periods. This is a natural stage in a woman's life. The lack of estrogen can bring on symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness. It also can increase the risk of osteoporosis (bone loss).
Your Body's Hormones
Hormones are substances that control when and
how certain organs work. They are made by glands in the body, but also can be
made in a lab.
Androgens, so-called male hormones, are made by the ovaries (two glands on either side of the uterus) in women and by the testes in men. In women, androgens are used by the ovaries to make estrogen, the so-called female hormone. The ovaries make estrogen from puberty until menopause.
The amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries decreases as a woman ages. At
some point, the ovaries stop making enough estrogen to thicken the uterine
lining. This is when the menstrual periods stop and menopause occurs. The
average age when a woman has her last menstrual period is 51 years, but the
normal range is from ages 45 to 55 years.
When a woman chooses to take
hormone therapy, her options depend on whether she has had her uterus removed. A
woman who has had her uterus removed can take just estrogen.
Uses of Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy can help relieve the symptoms
of low estrogen levels (hot flushes and vaginal dryness) and decrease the risk
of osteoporosis. The decision to take hormone therapy depends on your personal
needs.
Concerns and Risks
Like most treatments, hormone therapy is not free
of risk. Using a progestin seems to increase the risk for breast cancer. Also,
monthly bleeding may resume. Although bleeding may occur for only a short time,
many women do not want to have menstrual cycles at all and may find this side
effect bothersome.
A woman should take the smallest dose of hormone therapy that works for her, for the shortest possible time.
Treatment
When they choose to take hormone therapy, most women who
have a uterus take estrogen and a progestin. The amount of each hormone needed
to prevent symptoms varies from person to person. Over time, changes in the dose
may be needed.
Hormone therapy can be given in many ways.
· Cyclic therapy
· Combined therapy
· Estrogen only therapy
Other Options
Some women concerned about hormone therapy may try
other options, such as antidepressants, herbal products, or bioidentical
hormones, to relieve symptoms of menopause. For many of these products there are
limited facts available.
Follow-up
When taking hormone therapy or other medications, you
should follow your doctor’s advice carefully and get regular checkups. Let your
doctor know if you have any unexpected vaginal bleeding.
Finally...
Hormone therapy can help relieve some of the symptoms that
affect women at menopause. Before making a decision about hormone therapy, talk
to your doctor about what may work best for you based on your personal needs and
family and medical history.