Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Get Relief from Menopausal Symptoms

Menopause is a natural process when a woman stops having menstrual periods, usually when she’s in her 40s or 50s. It signals the end of a woman’s reproductive years.

Menopausal symptoms can be painful, distressing and uncomfortable. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can provide relief.

Learn what every woman should know about menopause.

Types of Hormone Therapy

There are a variety of ways you can get menopausal HRT, including:

• Pills
• Skin patches
• Estrogen cream
• A class of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)

Your doctor can customize HRT to find the best method for you with the fewest side effects.

Signs You May Benefit from HRT

During menopause, a fluctuation in hormones can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• Bone loss
• Difficulty sleeping
• Hot flashes
• Irritability
• Low sex-drive
• Night sweats
• Painful intercourse
• Vaginal dryness
• Weight gain

If your symptoms start to interfere with your daily life, HRT could help. HRT replaces the hormones your body is no longer naturally producing to reduce your discomfort.

At Sanford Women’s, we help you live your best quality of life. HRT is a treatment that can effectively minimize distressing symptoms during menopause.

Talk to your doctor to discuss all your treatment options.

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Is Hormone Therapy Safe?

The risks of HRT depend on the treatment option you choose, the dose, how long you take it and your preexisting health risks.

Similar to birth control, HRT can increase your risk of blood clots. This risk is higher the older you are and lowest when you’re 50 to 59 years old or within 10 years of starting menopause.

You shouldn’t take HRT unless the benefits of the treatment outweigh its risks. Your provider will help you make that decision.

What are the Effects of HRT?

HRT can cause some side effects, including:

• Bloating
• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Headaches
• Mood changes
• Nausea
• Vaginal bleeding

Learn more about hormone therapy.