Menopause: Hormone Therapy

Menopause: Hormone Therapy 

Menopause. This refers to the one day that marks the 1 year anniversary from your last menses. However, the symptoms leading up to and after this day are often very annoying and life-altering for many women. Regardless of the degree of symptoms that you experience, your body will continue to experience changes related to the altered hormone production. 

Every woman eventually faces this transition that marks the end of her reproductive years. The average age for menopause in Canadian women is considered to be between 51-53 years old. 

Hormone therapy is the only way to replace the declining estrogen and progesterone levels of menopause. Although hormone treatment options continue to be viewed as controversial, there are safe and appropriate options available for your personal health needs. Unfortunately, research studies such as Women's Health Initiative (WHI) have created mistrust and a sense of fear which led to many, many women experiencing a very difficult menopause journey. 

Stages of Menopause

Perimenopause is the period of time between the start of hormone decline (and related symptom symptoms – such as erratic periods) until one year after a woman’s final menstrual period. While most women think of hormone therapy in terms of menopause, it is often perimenopause when hormone therapy can be most beneficial.

Menopause itself refers to the DAY that a woman has been free of a cycle/menses for 1 year.

Postmenopause refers to the rest of a woman’s years after menopause.

Menopause, premature or early can also be caused by surgery (total or partial hysterectomy) or medical conditions (primary ovarian insufficiency). Symptoms of low hormones, or imbalance can also occur at times during adolescence, pregnancy, postpartum, medications, or conditions such as PCOS. 

Bioidentical vs Synthetic Hormone Therapy for Menopause

Older, synthetic (man-made) hormones had many side effects – some of which were quite dangerous. Something as molecularly complex as a human hormone can never be identically duplicated in a lab. So, synthetic hormones are often less-than-effective because they are not an “exact fit” for the body.

BHRT or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy – the medication replicates the molecular structure of the hormones produced by the body. Derived from 100% natural sources, bioidentical hormones are considered safer, more effective, and also free of many of the dangerous side effects of synthetics (lab-created) man-made hormones.

Hormone Therapy Delivery Methods

Hormones are delivered through different products. Local or “nonsystemic” hormones (creams, rings, or tablets) only affect the specific or localized area of the body where they are applied.

Systemic hormone therapy circulates the hormones throughout the bloodstream – delivering to all parts of the body. Pills, patches, and gels are systemic and can be used for hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal symptoms, and osteoporosis.

Like any medication or therapy, there are potential side-effects of hormone therapy. But precise dosing – using the least amount necessary to achieve the desired results – can help avoid many side effects. Careful monitoring of serum levels and regular check up with your health care provider can ensure that your treatment plan is regulated and adjusted to meet your needs. 

I look forward to working with you to help you achieve your health care goals! Optimal health = optimal quality of life = optimal wealth!

Open to all Manitobans: Book your consult with Annabelle Reimer, Nurse Practitioner Book Your Consult