Hormones
Your Guide to Hormone Replacement Therapy in Fort Collins & Loveland CO
As women age, they face vaginal discomfort, hot flashes, and hormone depletion caused by menopause. The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado offers hormone replacement therapy to help Fort Collins, and Loveland, CO women manage menopausal symptoms and age more gracefully. Hormone replacement therapy is medication taken to replace depleted hormones. The dosage and duration of therapy will vary according to each woman’s specific needs. Our dedicated women’s healthcare specialists may recommend systemic hormone therapy in the form of a pill, gel, cream, patch or spray. Vaginal products are available in a cream, tablet, or ring form. Talk to our team about the many benefits and risks associated with this leading menopausal treatment to see if it is right for you!
What Are Common Menopausal Symptoms Women May Experience?
During menopause, hormonal imbalances are responsible for a variety of symptoms from hot flashes to heavy, irregular, or painful periods. Menopause is different for every woman. Some women may experience mild symptoms while others will experience severe symptoms which do not go away. You may benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty sleeping at night
- Exhaustion or fatigue
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Thinning hair
- Reduced sexual desire
- Weight gain in the stomach area
- Breast tenderness
- Reduced mental clarity
- Constipation, diarrhea, or urinary issues
- Decreased muscle strength
- Osteoporosis (bone thinning)
- Mood swings/irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Pain with intercourse
Nonhormonal Vs. Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy Options
Women with hormonal imbalances have hormonal and nonhormonal replacement options to consider. Natural ways to boost and balance your hormone levels include eating more protein and healthy fats, limiting sugar, drinking green tea, exercising regularly, learning better stress management techniques, and limiting alcohol and caffeine. The traditional hormone replacement therapy we provide at our office is tailored to each individual. Hormone replacement therapy may not be suitable for women who have a history of heart disease, breast cancer, uncontrolled hypertension, high triglycerides in their blood, or gallbladder disease. Cyclical (sequential) HRT is what we typically recommend before menopause. After menopause, a continuous combination of estrogen and progesterone is commonly prescribed. Doctors also prescribe hormone medication for birth control, low blood testosterone levels, and patients transitioning from the sex they were assigned at birth.
What Are the Common Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Common side effects of hormone replacement therapy may include bloating, indigestion, headaches, nausea, mood swings, breast tenderness, acne, leg cramps, and vaginal bleeding. These side effects are usually temporary and may disappear after a few weeks of treatment. While not conclusive, some studies suggest a link between hormone replacement therapy and an increased risk of blood clots, heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer. Your health risks increase if you begin hormone replacement therapy over the age of 60 or if you have a family or personal history of severe medical conditions. Limiting the amount of medication you take, making healthy lifestyle changes, and closely monitoring your health with follow-up visits can help you minimize the risks of using hormone replacement therapy for menopause. Always talk to your doctor before beginning any new treatment to make sure it is right for you. Our women’s wellness centers in Northern Colorado are focused on making women’s healthcare services accessible, and we strive to educate our patients about various treatment options.
Now Open for Screenings – Schedule Your Appointment Today!
The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado is open for women’s health screenings and services. We understand choosing a provider is a personal decision. You may check out our testimonials and new patient resources to see why you are in good hands with our women’s specialty clinics in Fort Collins and Loveland, CO. We provide everything from hormone replacement therapy and bone density scanning to mammograms, contraception, fertility treatment, gynecology, and OBGYN services. We accept most major credit cards and insurance providers. Please reach out to us today to schedule an appointment!
