Hormone Replacement Therapy

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when she stops having periods. In the time before and during menopause, a woman’s level of hormones fluxuates, causing hot flashes and vaginal dryness. In order to curb these symptoms, some women take hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement therapy may also help prevent osteoporosis although there are other medicines that can also treat bone loss.

Years ago, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was given to all menopausal or perimenopausal women in an effort to prevent certain diseases.  A large scientific study was released that questioned whether hormones were safe for everyone and showed that there may be some risks to taking hormones.  In response to this study, Women’s Health providers became more selective about which patients they treated with HRT and for what length of time.

For women having menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms, hormones can be very helpful but it is important to meet with a physician or nurse practitioner who is experienced with prescribing and managing hormones.  When thinking about starting hormones it is also important to balance benefits and risks.  SOGA takes a very individualized approach to hormone replacement therapy for their patients.

In the video below, Dr. Anne Doll-Pollard talks about risks and benefits of hormones and also about bioidentical and compounded hormones.