For Women:  
Menopause Hormone Therapy

Natural hormones are unique to each person. Hormone regulation begins to change for women around 35-55. If a woman continues to cycle after age 55 it can increase the risk of breast cancer. 

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Traditionally trained physicians typically give synthetic hormones and only for a short time. These hormones cause many problems because they send incomplete messages to the body. This leads to an imbalance of hormones. 

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Many symptoms of menopause include the following:

 

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Vaginal dryness

• Anxiety, mood swings and depression

• Decreased libido

• Painful intercourse (because of vaginal dryness)

• Urinary tract problems including incontinence

• Osteopenia/osteoporosis

• Aching joints

• Memory lapses (sometimes called "brain fog")

• Weight issues

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Estrogens have over 400 functions in the body and these include (not an exhausted list):

 

• Regulates body temperature

• Helps prevent Alzheimer's disease

• Improves sleep

• Helps cholesterol profile

• Helps to maintain memory

• Insulin sensitivity

• Sleep

• Muscle mass

• Improves heart functions decreasing risks of heart issues

• Improves mood

• Increase sexual interest 

• Helps the skin

• And many more

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Three main estrogens include Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), and Estriol (E3). The predominant estrogens in a young women include E2 and E1. Estriol is present typically post menopause.

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Estriol is important because it may protect against breast cancer. It also helps maintain vaginal health by improving vaginal pH and promoting a healthy bacterial balance. 

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Additional important hormones include progesterone and testosterone. Progesterone helps to regulate mood, sleep, bone health and weight. Synthetic progesterone (Progestins) are not a substitute for what the body makes and may lead to more problems.

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Testosterone boosts sexual interest and improves muscle mass. It also helps with memory and can reduce body fat. Additionally, it supports healthy skin. 

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Menopause Hormone Therapy

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To determine if you are a candidate for hormone replacement therapy by Dr. Howard, you will need to be fully evaluated.

This means that Dr. Howard will check your blood and possibly your, saliva, and urine to evaluate your hormone levels. He will do this after completing a thorough history and physical exam.  Also, he strongly recommends that you are up to date with your gynecologist and mammogram.

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Based on your symptoms and lab results, we may suggest a complete plan to balance your hormones. The different forms of therapy include:

 

• Topical creams you place on your skin

• Capsules. (typically progesterone)

• Pellet therapy

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From there Dr. Howard will check your hormone levels with blood tests or other labs every three months. This ensures your hormones are balanced for you. 

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No reason exists to live and possibly suffer with the symptoms of low hormones.

 

Schedule your evaluation today and Dr. Howard will help determine what hormone therapy would be best for you.