The Many Ways Hormone Therapy Can Benefit Postmenopausal Women

In the US, natural menopause typically occurs between the age of 40 and 55, and significant symptoms leading up to and during include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and cloudy thinking. After menopause, these symptoms often subside as estrogen levels off at a lower concentration in the body. At this time, you go into postmenopause, which simply means "after the period stops." Now a new set of challenges arise, mostly related to chronic conditions that we often associate with advanced aging like osteoporosis. For some women, hormone therapy can significantly reduce the risk of developing certain conditions and provide noticeable benefits. Let's take a look at the many ways in which hormone therapy may help you.

1. Reduced risk of fracture

According to the National Council on Aging, someone ends up in the emergency room in the U.S. every 11 seconds because of a fall. Falls have resulted in over 800,000 hospitalizations a year and burden hospitals, Medicare, private insurance, and individuals alike with nearly $70 billion in medical bills.

The primary cause for these falls is weakening bones related to osteoporosis. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, hormone therapy can reduce bone fragility by 20-35%.

2.  Improved sexual function and sex drive

A recent article in Psychology Today discussed how the same people who led the Sexual Revolution of the 60s are doing it again by re-shaping how we think about sexual relationships as we age. One example is that we're seeing more women in their 70's and beyond cast as the lead in romantic movies.

While postmenopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness and reduced sex drive may normally interfere with your own desire to stay sexually active, hormone replacement can reduce these symptoms so that you can continue to embrace your sexuality as you age.

3. Increased energy

During menopause, you probably experienced some extreme energy fluctuation. You went from feeling fatigued during the day to not being able to sleep at night. Hormone therapy helps re-balance your energy so that you sleep better at night and have more energy during the day.

4. More youthful appearance 

Hormones not only influence how our bodies feel but they impact how we look. The skin changes in color, texture, and fullness. Hormone therapy can revitalize the skin so that you appear more youthful.

5. Self-confidence

Hormone therapy can also give you more self-confidence. When you feel more energetic and confident, it's easier to stay active and get out there and try new things. As your level of self-confidence goes up, you'll likely find yourself going on adventures you've dreamt of your whole life. It's not too late.

6. Decreased risk of colon cancer

HRT may reduce your risk of developing cancers of the bowels such as the devastating colon cancer, which claims over 51 thousand lives per year.

7.  Easier to regulate blood glucose

A huge cohort study of over 15 thousand women with type II diabetes found that those who were taking hormone therapy had a decreased HbA1c level, one of the major indicators doctors use to determine how well a person is managing their condition.

8.  Improved vessel elasticity

Hormone therapy postmenopause improves vessel elasticity so that blood moves more freely through the vessels. This can help lower blood pressure and improve circulation throughout the body.

Am I a good candidate for hormone therapy postmenopause?

Your unique needs, medical conditions, current symptoms, and family medical history determine what types of hormone therapy may be right for you. Your practitioner at Balance Hormone Center evaluates these factors to determine the safest and most effective way to administer hormones. For those who have had certain cancers, have a family history of certain cancers, reached menopause over 10 years ago, or have heart health problems, the risks of hormone therapy may outweigh the benefits. For this reason, hormone therapy is customizable to meet unique patient needs.

The best time to speak with your doctor about postmenopause therapy is right after you go through menopause. Contact the Balance Hormone Center to schedule an appointment.