How Does HRT Help Women Struggling With Menopause?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for many women struggling with the symptoms of menopause. During menopause, a woman stops menstruating because the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone hormones. This cycle causes a host of symptoms that can be difficult to deal with. HRT helps to relieve these symptoms by pumping synthetic versions of these hormones into the bloodstream.
1. Curbing mood swings
Menopausal mood swings are caused by lowered estrogen levels. The hormonal imbalance interferes with the chemical functions of the brain, which leads to mood changes. Specifically, lowered estrogen levels can affect the serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine chemicals in the brain. Women with menopause will often experience depression, irritability, anxiety, crying fits, and insomnia. HRT helps stabilize hormone levels and bring moods back to normal.
2. Stop hot flashes
A hot flash is an unexpected episode of intense warmth, causing the body to overheat. The person will get red and flustered as the body adjusts to the sudden rise in temperature. Most hot flashes have nothing to do with the external environment. This condition happens internally when blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface expand, and the body sweats to try to cool down. Hot flashes can occur for up to 10 years in women pre- and post-menopause. HRT replaces the hormones the body loses due to menopause. By using HRT, patients notice fewer hot flashes and night sweats.
3. Vaginal issues
As menopause progresses, vaginal tissue becomes thinner and drier, leading to vaginal itching, burning, and even pain during sex. Additionally, the urethra, the small tube that passes urine through the body, gets thinner. This puts women at risk of developing urinary tract infections and incontinence. Typically, the body produces estrogen and progesterone hormones in the reproductive organs. Once menopause starts, the production stops. HRT provides the body with estrogen and progesterone hormones to restore the body’s regular activity.
Can a doctor help?
A healthcare provider will be able to educate patients about menopause symptoms and potential treatments. For any questions, consult a healthcare provider who specializes in women’s health.