Hormone Replacement Therapy

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology consists of treatments that correct hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, in women with imbalances due to aging or medical conditions. These treatments are highly effective and can dramatically enhance your quality of life — especially during perimenopause and menopause. 

What are the symptoms of imbalanced hormones?

Hormone imbalances can lead to:

• Night sweats
• Hot flashes 
• Difficulty sleeping
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain with sex
• Low sex drive
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Irritability
• Urinary urgency or incontinence
• Skin changes
• Thinning hair
• Brain fog
• Weight gain
• Weaker bones
• Reduced muscle mass
• Increased body fat
• Fatigue

These symptoms often appear before and during menopause when a woman's body produces lower levels of estrogen, progesterone, or other hormones. 

What are the benefits of HRT?

HRT offers the following physical and mental health benefits for women struggling with imbalanced hormones:

• More energy
• Easier weight management 
• Younger appearance
• Improved sexual function and desire
• Reduced vaginal dryness 
• Enhanced body composition 
• Healthier skin and hair
• Better sleep
• Stronger bones
• Lower risk of health problems
• Mood improvements
• Easier ability to concentrate

Balanced hormones can help you look and feel more like yourself with a lower risk of osteoporosis and other complications. 

What are the different forms of hormone replacement therapy?

HRT is systemic or local. 

Systemic therapies include hormone pills, sprays, gels, subdermal pellets, and patches that help ease some of the most common symptoms of menopause symptoms — like night sweats and hot flashes. 

You can apply local hormone therapy to specific areas of your body. Examples include vaginal rings, creams, and tablets that relieve vaginal dryness, painful sex, and similar symptoms. 

Which type of hormone replacement therapy is right for me?

The Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology experts discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits to determine which form of HRT best suits you. You also undergo lab testing and a physical exam. 

You might not be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy if you have a history of certain cancers, blood clots, abnormal vaginal bleeding, a stroke, heart attack, gallbladder disease, or liver disease. 

It’s important to follow your HRT treatment plan exactly as instructed and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to optimize health outcomes. For example, eat nutritious foods, set a regular sleep schedule, minimize stress, and exercise regularly. Contact the Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology office at any time with questions.

Schedule a hormone replacement therapy evaluation at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.