Perimenopause is a natural part of aging that women experience in the years leading up to menopause. During this time, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, which can contribute to symptoms like brain fog and low libido.
For years, many women assumed they just had to grit their teeth and bear the transition, but thanks to advances in research and treatment options, relief is possible. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of those options.
At Vitality Center of Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina, Michael Trombley, MD, and Richard Boulware, PA-C, regularly use HRT to help women manage uncomfortable symptoms of perimenopause.
Read on to learn what hormone replacement therapy is and how it may support your well-being during perimenopause and beyond.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), sometimes called hormone replacement for women, uses synthetic (artificial) or bioidentical (chemically identical or very similar to those the body naturally produces) hormones to ease symptoms of hormone fluctuations.
We may use HRT to manage certain medical conditions or uncomfortable symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. We can administer it in several ways, including patches, creams, injections, or implantable pellets.
Regardless of the approach, the goal of treatment is to replace declining hormones and relieve symptoms so you feel your best.
If you’re struggling to cope with the perimenopause transition, HRT offers several benefits, including:
Perimenopause can lead to various symptoms, including:
Replacing declining hormones can ease these symptoms and make it easier to work and enjoy life.
Many perimenopausal women report difficulty focusing and remembering things, trouble sleeping, and in some cases, mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
Although HRT won’t necessarily cure all your symptoms overnight, it can make handling the transition much easier. Something as simple as getting a better night’s sleep can help you feel more rested and prepared to handle routine tasks, such as work or spending time with friends.
During perimenopause, estrogen levels fluctuate and decline, which can contribute to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Starting HRT during perimenopause may help strengthen your bones and lower the risk of these complications in the future.
The best way to know if HRT is right for you is to schedule an in-office evaluation with our caring team.
After discussing your symptoms, reviewing your health history, and completing a physical exam and lab testing, we can make personalized treatment recommendations. HRT isn’t right for everyone experiencing menopausal symptoms, but it can help in certain situations.
If you’re a middle-aged woman experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, or low sex drive, you may be going through perimenopause. To start feeling better, contact Vitality Center of Charlotte today. Call our office or request your appointment online.
