FAQ: Hormone Therapy (HT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is generally safe if you work together with a qualified healthcare provider. HRT is known to help many women with hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and keeping bones strong among other symptoms.

_{1. http://www.menopause.org}

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Hot flashes can be addressed in many ways but it’s best to collaborate with your care provider to find a therapy that works for you. Hormone therapy (HT) can be effective at reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes for many women. Antidepressants, meditation and relaxation techniques work also well as they lower stress hormones. Ensuring you are eating a well-balanced nutritious diet can also help.

Bio- identical hormones are reproductive steroid hormones, such as estrogen or progesterone, used in hormone therapy (HT). The term “bio-identical” means the hormones in the HT product are chemically identical to those your body produces.

Bio-identical hormones can be easily recognized and used by our bodies so the effects are more consistent with our natural biochemistry. As well there is a smaller risk of unpredictable side effects than with synthetic or non-bio-identical hormones.

There are FDA approved bio-identical hormones that are safe and effective, but there is no evidence to date that bio-identical hormones are more effective or safer than synthetic hormones. There are also FDA approved natural hormones that are derived from plants.

There are options to help reduce or manage some symptoms. The primary tool is called Hormone Therapy (HT), also called hormone replacement therapy (HRT), menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), or hormone management therapy (HMT). HT is helpful for decreasing hot flashes, improving the health of your vagina and urinary systems, and supporting your muscle and bone health and strength.

Unfortunately, other symptoms may not respond as well to HT. Physiotherapy can help with physical pain and psychological counseling and therapy can help with emotional troubles. Lifestyle changes to promote quality sleep, good nutrition, and exercise are important and known to decrease menopausal transition symptoms.