How to Use Hormone Therapy to Manage Menopause Symptoms
Your hormone production rate naturally decreases with aging. Hormone imbalance is one of the main reasons every woman experiences undesirable symptoms when going through the menopause phase. However, hormone therapy Covington specialists can employ hormone therapy to help you get through the stage of life with less discomfort. Hormone therapy aims at restoring hormone levels to normal by replacing the depleted ones. The hormones are responsible for your physical and emotional well-being. Restoring balance improves the quality of your life. Here is how to apply the treatment option.
Discuss Your Plan with Your Doctor
The first thing you should do when you think hormone therapy can help you endure menopause is to consult your doctor. The treatment has proven effective in alleviating various menopause symptoms but also involves several risks. Therefore, ensuring that you are the right candidate for the option is crucial. Hormone therapy has been associated with slight risks of strokes, blood clots, and certain cancers. Your doctor can help you evaluate your risks and determine if the treatment is safe. Remember to discuss the hormone therapy options, as the risks for complications vary based on the option used.
Take Estrogen Pills
Mild to moderate menopausal symptoms can be effectively managed through estrogen pills. You will have to take one pill every day, and it is recommended to always take it simultaneously. It helps keep your hormonal cycle regulated. Your doctor will monitor you as you continue with the treatment and can adjust your dose over time. Expect some blood work to ensure that the hormone levels return to the correct range. Ensure to set a reminder and take the drug as soon as possible in case you forget. When applied properly, the treatment can help you manage vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, and mood swings.
Use Topical Estrogen Treatments
You can consult your doctor about using estrogen sprays, patches, gels., and creams as an alternative to the oral drug. Ensure you understand how to use the treatments, as different brands are applied to different body parts. Note and follow your doctor’s guidelines to ensure you use topical treatments correctly. Your doctor can recommend the Estradiol patch to be applied on clean or dry skin in your buttocks or stomach. They can also recommend Estrogen to be applied on your arm from the wrist to your shoulder. You might find these topical estrogen treatments safer than oral estrogens, especially if you have liver complications.
Consider Estrogen and Progesterone
You can consider a combined treatment of estrogen and progesterone that come as a tablet or pill to boost your energy levels. The treatment also helps you avoid brittle bones and minimize the chances of developing uterine cancer. The treatment must be consistent and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, depending on whether you take estrogen-combined tablets.
Consider Vaginal Low Dose Products
You can overcome some vaginal menopausal symptoms through low-dose vaginal preparations. The treatments can come in the form of creams, rings, or tablets. Consult your doctor adequately to understand how to use each preparation effectively. The dosage varies from one person to another and ensures you stick to the dose your doctor recommends.
Hormone therapy helps you endure menopause and enjoy a quality life as you age. Contact the Louisiana Heart and Vascular Institute to explore your options. Call today or seek a consultation appointment online.