Is hormone therapy right for you…it’s all in the timing.
Have you been having bothersome hot flashes and night sweats for months (or longer)?
Were you determined to put up with the symptoms of menopause, but can’t stand feeling miserable any longer?
Have you spent hours researching the internet and talking with your friends to try to find a treatment option that is right for you?
You’re not alone.
Did you know that risks and benefits of hormone therapy (HT) vary greatly with age and medical history? Like most health problems, AGE is a big factor in determining whether HT is right for you. Women who are under 60 or went through menopause less than 10 years ago are at much lower risk than the older women studied in previous scientific trials. Newer studies suggest that younger women on HT may actually enjoy a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. HT can also prevent the damaging effects of estrogen deficiency on the bones.
In the early 2000s, women were frightened to take HT after highly-publicized data showed increased breast cancer and heart disease risk in women whose average age was 63. We now have newer information to assess women and develop a treatment plan that controls symptoms without substantially increasing risk.
If you are not sure what to do, a North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Certified Menopause Practitioner can help with your decision. These specially-trained doctors are qualified to identify a woman’s specific symptoms, risk factors and previous medical history, and will address your concerns about all treatment options.
Remember, when it comes to menopause, one size does not fit all. Talk to your doctor today, or make an appointment to visit a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner at Mercy Comfort Health Center for Women.
Carrie Holmes, M.D., NCMP, is a physician specializing in women’s health at Mercy Comfort Health Center for Women. Learn more.
