Hormone Therapy

During the peri menopausal transition, the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormone, which are produced in the ovaries, become less stable. After menopause, when periods stop, the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone except for a very small amount. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels in the body may cause common symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, interrupted sleep and irritability.

Hormone therapy involves taking prescription hormones (estrogen and progesterone) to help manage the symptoms of menopause. There are different types of estrogen and progestins (progesterone) available and different forms that hormones come in such as pills, patch, vaginal ring, and gels or creams.

Using hormone therapy can be very effective for many menopausal symptoms, but there are risks and benefits to the use of hormone therapy. Some people may not be able to use hormone therapy due to pre-existing conditions such as history of breast cancer, blood clot, stroke, or liver disease.

If you are having difficulty with menopausal symptoms, our medical providers can talk to you about whether hormone therapy is a good choice for you.