Our bodies change in many ways as we grow older, and this applies equally to men and women. In women, however, there is one factor that cannot avoided, and that’s the menopause. This is the point in life at which the ovaries stop producing eggs, and it can lead to great and noticeable hormonal changes which result in an adverse effect on the woman’s life.

In this article we want to talk about how hormone therapy for women can help, and what you should expect if you go down this route. We’ll also explain what hormones are and why they are important for our well-being. Let’s make that our first subject: what are hormones, and why are they important?

What Do Hormones Do?

The human body is a complex machine, so to speak, that has many components working together to enable us to live as we wish to. Central to all of these components is the nervous system. This is the system that takes signals from the main control room – the brain – and delivers them to the organs and other systems that enable us to perform the tasks we need to.

Many of these signals are carried by what we know as hormones. These are chemicals secreted by various glands that carry – through the bloodstream – important messages for our various systems. One of these hormones is known as estrogen (the ‘female hormone’) and is essential to the smooth operation of a woman’s reproductive system.

As a woman ages so the production of estrogen slows. When she reaches menopause – usually after the age of 45 – it reduces dramatically. This can be a troubling and unpleasant time for her. The effects of low estrogen are varied, but it does lead to a loss of sexual appetite and performance, as well as a general feeling of apathy, lack of energy, problems concentrating and weaker bones.

This is because – as with testosterone in men (the ‘male hormone’) – estrogen is not solely responsible for sexual performance. It has a major effect on cognitive performance, for example, which will fade as the production of estrogen is reduced. This is when hormone replacement therapy – of HRT – is often resorted to, so let’s look at the reasons a woman may wish to undergo a course of HRT.

Why Does Someone Need Hormone Therapy?

Experiencing menopause can be an unpleasant time for a woman as there will be notable changes to her mood and body, as well as her overall health. HRT can help with this, but what will it do? We mentioned above some of the problems that are felt when menopause sets in. HRT is a method of replacing the lost hormones and will help get the sufferer back to their normal self quite quickly and usually very successfully. Here’s what a woman undergoing HRT can expect:

  • Improved Libido and Better Sexual Performance – Our menopause patients see an increased sex drive, less vaginal dryness, and report more satisfying sexual experiences.
  • Increased Energy and Stamina – Our approach to hormone therapy has been shown to increase metabolism, which boosts your ability to turn fat into energy.
  • Improved Memory and Cognition – Hormone therapy for women has been shown to improve memory, focus, and concentration.
  • Stronger Bones – Hormone therapy for women leads to stronger, healthier bones and decreases your risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a common and serious complication of menopause.

From the above it’s easy to see that a menopausal woman’s life will be greatly improved by undergoing HRT, and she will be able to resume a healthy sex life which is one area where relationships are put under strain during menopause. For reference, many – but not all – men undergo the ‘male menopause’ or andropause, which is caused by low testosterone levels, is also usually age-related, and results in the same symptoms. This can also be treated by HRT.

Are you a candidate for HRT? Let’s talk a bit more about why a woman should consider HRT, and the circumstances in which they usually do.

Am I A Good Candidate for Hormone Therapy?

While HRT is considered among the many anti-ageing treatments that populate the market these days it is much more than that. It is, as we seen, a restorative that takes the woman as close as possible back to pre-menopause days. How do you know you are entering the menopause? The following symptoms may be noticed shortly before and into menopause, so if you are of the age, these are what you need to look out for:

  • Hot Flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Insomnia
  • Dryness and thinning of the skin and particularly the vaginal area
  • Diminished sex drive and loss of sensitivity to stimulation
  • Hair Loss
  • Anxiety
  • Forgetfulness that may include an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease
  • Depression and other mood changes

Menopause also comes with an increased chance of heart disease and also potentially loss of bone density. Because some of the symptoms are serious, it is essential you seek medical help if you suspect or notice any of the above beginning to become regular.

The first step is to contact your doctor who will perform a full diagnosis. They will then refer you to an HRT clinic where you will see a consultant. The initial consultation may involve quite personal questions about your lifestyle, but it is vital you give them all the information you can so they can devise the right treatment. Bear in mind you may also be asked to work with a dietician to ensure you have a healthy diet as this can have a great effect on your hormone production.

Conclusion

Rest assured that HRT is a proven and successful method of reviving a woman who is enduring the menopause and has helped many get back the life they believed was gone. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you see signs of menopause as the earlier you begin treatment the less unpleasantness you will have to endure.