Menopause Treatment Options

Menopause is a natural part of life for women. True menopause occurs 12 months after your last menstrual cycle. Typically, menopause occurs in your 40s or 50s with the average age of 51 in the United States. For more information about menopause and its effects, please click here.

What is HRT?

HRT is hormone replacement therapy. It can also be referred to as bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) or ET (estrogen therapy). It is typically used to treat hormonal imbalances or as hormone levels drop during perimenopause and menopause.


Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant estrogens like soy or wild yam that are chemically identical to the hormones that the body produces. There are a few commercially available bioidentical hormones that come in specific dosages. Compounding pharmacies like Compounding Solutions Pharmacy & Wellness can make bioidentical hormones in a multitude of dosage forms and dosages that are specific to your needs. Other commercially available hormone treatments are synthetic hormones or made from the urine of pregnant horses.

What are the hormones are used in hormone replacement therapy?

Our bodies have multiple hormones that have lots of jobs in our bodies. We work with your doctor to find the right balance for you. Let's explore the different types of hormones:

• Estrogen (Estrone, Estriol, & Estradiol)

Estrogen is prescribed in multiple ways. Most women take a combination of Estriol and Estradiol known as Bi-est. Sometimes, a combination of all three is warranted and is called Tri-est. Symptoms of low estrogen include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Estrogens may also be used to prevent osteoporosis and to maintain bladder and urinary tract function. If your estrogen levels are out of balance, then you may experience

nausea, stomach upset, bloating, headache, dizziness, breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, fluid retention, weight gain, and mood swings.

• Progesterone

Progesterone is used to treat many conditions, including symptoms of menopause, symptoms of PMS, abnormal periods, maintenance of pregnancy, endometriosis, and osteoporosis. Progesterone functions in the body as a mild diuretic and a natural antidepressant. It also helps the body to use fat for energy; normalizes blood clotting, thyroid hormone action and blood sugar; and counteracts estrogen side effects. Progesterone is also a precursor to other hormones including cortisol and corticosteroids and is through to help build bone and improve libido. If your progesterone levels are out of balance, you may experience excessive sleepiness, dizziness, bloating, susceptibility to yeast infections, and functional estrogen deficiency.

• Testosterone

Testosterone is not only in men. It is also produced in the female body but at much lower levels. Testosterone can be helpful for increasing sex drive, energy, and muscle strength. If your testosterone levels are too high, you may experience oily skin, acne, coarsening of body hair, and deepening of the voice.

• DHEA

DHEA, or Dehydroepiandrosterone, is a precursor for many other hormones in the body. In cells it can be converted to testosterone or estrogens. DHEA may enhance the immune system to help protect against infection, injury, and illness. It may also be helpful in enhancing energy and muscle strength. If your DHEA levels are too high, you may experience acne, oily skin, agitation, and possible hair loss.

What dosage forms are available for HRT?

• Topical Creams and Gels

• Topical Solutions

• Troches (dissolved between cheek and gum)

• Miniserts (vaginal, dissolvable tablet)

• Capsules

• Vaginal suppositories

• Vaginal creams

• Intramuscular Injections

• Implantable pellets (implanted at a doctor's office)

What prescription, non-hormonal options are available for vaginal dryness?

• Vitamin E cream or suppositories

• Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E suppositories

What non-prescription options are available for menopausal symptoms?

• Supplements

Estrosense – A blend of minerals and herbs designed to promote healthy estrogen metabolism. It may restore your estrogen balance to alleviate menopausal symptoms.

Wellness Works Menopause Support – a blend of vitamins and herbs to support women’s health during normal mid-life changes

Wellness Works BioDIM I-3-C – supports hormone balance in men and women, normal cellular apoptosis, and overall cellular health

Black Cohosh – May alleviate hot flashes

Ginseng – may boost mood and improve sleep

St. John’s Wort – use with caution, this herb interacts with many prescription medications. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this supplement especially if you are taking an antidepressant

DHEA – A natural steroid hormone that is made from cholesterol and is a precursor to other important hormones including estrogen and testosterone.

Soy (phytoestrogens) – Phytoestrogens mimic the effects of estrogen and may help balance hormones. They may also alleviate hot flashes and night sweats.

Calcium and Vitamin D – May help prevent bone loss

Yoga

Hypnosis

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401

https://www.webmd.com/menopause/ss/slideshow-menopause

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15223-menopause-non-hormonal-treatment--relief-for-hot-flashes https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/alternative-treatment#vitamin-d

https://womensense.com/en-us/products/estrosense-en-us/3

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/black-cohosh