Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialist
North Scottsdale Women's Health
OBGYNs located in Scottsdale, AZ
Menopause is a natural part of life, but it’s also a time that can be both difficult and confusing for every woman. At North Scottsdale Women’s Health in Scottsdale, Arizona, an experienced team of knowledgeable medical providers offers guidance and support throughout the years leading up to menopause and beyond. Available treatments include hormone replacement therapy using bio-identical hormones to alleviate menopausal symptoms. To learn more, schedule an appointment online or by phone.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Q & A
What is hormone replacement therapy?
In the time leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, as well as during menopause, you can experience a wide range of symptoms as a result of your fluctuating or decreased estrogen and progesterone hormone levels. You may benefit from hormone replacement therapies that stabilize your hormone levels and reduce symptoms including:
- Hot flashes
- Painful sex
- Irregular bleeding
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Foggy thinking
- Joint pain
Hormone replacement therapies are available as sublingual lozenges, patches, creams, and hormone pellets. Your doctor at North Scottsdale Women’s Health may also prescribe low-dose birth control to level out your hormone levels.
Am I a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy?
You may be a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you are in relatively good health and don’t smoke.
HRT is not advised for women with a history of blood clots, hormone-dependent cancers, a history of heart attack, or stroke.
Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if hormone therapy is right for you.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones come from natural plant sources and act like the hormones your body produces naturally. While they are made in a laboratory, the hormones mimic what your body produces in both their molecular and chemical structure.
There are several benefits to using bioidentical hormones to alleviate perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, including:
- Increased sex drive
- Reduced hot flashes
- Improved sleep patterns
- Clearer thinking
- Reduced fatigue
Bioidentical hormones are available as injectables, creams, gels, and oral medications. Taking the proper dosage of hormones for optimal results is essential. It can take several tries to find the right combination of hormone replacement therapies to achieve desired results.
What are the risks of hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapies can be effective in treating menopause-related symptoms, but there are associated risks. Side effects of hormone replacement therapies may include increased risk of:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Blood clots
- Breast cancer
Your doctor at North Scottsdale Women’s Health can determine how long you can safely take hormone treatments to alleviate menopause symptoms. You will also undergo regular medical monitoring that allows your doctor to identify issues early and ensure your hormone levels stay well-balanced.
To learn more about bioidentical hormone therapies, schedule an appointment online or by phone.