Hormone therapy (HT) increases your levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This can help reduce symptoms of menopause.
A woman's menstrual cycle (monthly period) is controlled by changing levels of certain hormones. These hormones travel through the blood. Two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, play a big role in the menstrual cycle.
Is HRT right for you? That's up to you and your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will review your health needs. Then he or she will suggest steps you can take to control any symptoms or health risks. HRT may be one part of your overall program.
Which hormones you take and when you take them is called your HRT program, or regimen. Your program is tailored for you, based on certain factors. These factors include whether you have a uterus and what your risk of cancer is. Whether or not you have reached menopause is also a factor.
During the months or years before menopause, your body goes through many changes. Read on to understand these changes and what you can do about the symptoms that result.
Menopause occurs when you stop having periods for good. For many women, this happens around age 50. The time of change before this is called perimenopause. It may start in your late 30s or 40s, and can last for months or years.
Menopause is not a sudden change. During the months or years before menopause (perimenopause), the ovaries begin to run out of eggs. Less estrogen and progesterone are produced. This may bring on symptoms such as hot flashes.
When your estrogen level falls, you may have symptoms. You also may be at a greater risk for osteoporosis and heart disease. Your diet, family health history, lifestyle, and other factors affect your symptoms and risks.
The years leading up to menopause can be hard both physically and emotionally. These tips can help you cope.
