Each woman’s experience with menopause is unique, and the symptoms and side effects of this hormonal change manifest itself in infinite variations. At Lifelong, we understand the medical and emotional implications and are experienced in helping our patients manage menopause. Our patients are often reassured by the range of options we have available to them, including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

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What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural phase of the aging process for women that happens when their body reaches the end of their fertile years. Natural menopause begins after a year without a menstrual cycle and usually happens between age 40–60. Menopause can also happen for reasons such as ovarian failures before age 40 or surgery requiring the removal of an ovary or radiation of your pelvis.

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Hormone replacement therapy

Hormone replacement therapy – taking medication that contains hormones replacing the ones the body is no longer producing – has been widely used to ease menopausal symptoms for decades. Its goal is to alleviate the discomfort caused by diminished circulating estrogens and progesterone in menopause. These symptoms, caused by lower levels of estrogen at menopause, include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. HRT has also been linked to the prevention of osteoporosis. However, HRT is just one of a range of Menopause treatments and the care we offer at our Dallas office.

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Symptoms of Menopause 

During menopause, your body's production of reproductive hormones fluctuates and drops, causing symptoms that affect each woman differently. Some symptoms occur during perimenopause — the period before menopause when your body begins to slow down estrogen production. Common symptoms of menopause  include: 
 

• Dry skin 

• Hot flashes

• Irregular periods

• Full breasts

• Mood swings

• Night sweats

• Difficulty sleeping

• Slower metabolism

• Thin hair 

• Vaginal dryness 

• Weight gain 

 

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Hormone replacement therapy 

The most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms in most women is therapy hormone replacement. This involves replacing the hormones progestin and estrogen (combined or estrogen alone) with a pill, gel, cream, skin patch, or spray. Hormone replacement therapy is also used to treat osteoporosis. 

What are the signs that you need hormone replacement therapy? 

The symptoms of menopause can affect your quality of life, making hormone replacement therapy an important benefit for most women: 
 

• Hot flashes or symptoms other symptoms of menopause 

• loss of bone mass and no further treatment 

• 40) or frequent loss of ovarian function Experience early menopause (stopping menopause before age 

 

Side effects of hormone replacement therapy 

Side effects of hormone replacement therapy vary depending on the type and dose of treatment and health factors such as cardiovascular disease or cancer risk, but may include: 

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• Heart disease 

• Stroke 

• Blood clot 

• Breast cancer

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