Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause Summer Series Part 2

This is Part 2 of a Summer Series about navigating perimenopause and menopause. In Part 1 we discussed the basics of the perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause journey. Here in Part 2 we will discuss what we can do to improve symptom relief via hormone therapy. 

Hormone Therapy

Ladies

If you have tried everything. 

If you are tired of being tired.

If you are tired of being treated for anxiety or depression when you know in your heart that the real problem is perimenopause/menopause.  

If herbs like Black Cohosh and Ashwangandha are no longer making a difference. 

It may be time for Hormone Therapy. Sometimes called Hormone Replacement Therapy. 

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate rapidly during perimenopause and then drop precipitously as you get closer to menopause. These fluctuations and drops in hormones lead to the symptoms that millions of women are experiencing every day. Here are some examples of how hormone therapy may help you. 

Progesterone for Sleep & Hot Flashes:

One reason you may be waking up at night or having sleep troubles, may be due to low progesterone levels during perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone can be helpful for improved sleep. Progesterone affects the neurotransmitter GABA needed for sleep. Progesterone also helps maintain and regulate body temperature. If you are struggling with sleeploss, fatigue and/or experiencing night sweats talk to your doctor about progesterone hormone therapy.

Estrogen for Bone Density:

Estrogen is needed to maintain bone health and bone density. Bone density loss is common in menopause and post menopause and can result in osteopenia (low bone density) and osteoporosis disease (bones are weak, thin and porous.) These conditions are considered silent because they have no symptoms. Osteopenia is commonly discovered during a fall event that leads to a fracture (broken bone). Bone Density (DEXA) scans are not routinely recommended for most women until age 65 and by then it may be too late. Starting estrogen hormone therapy at menopause can help prevent osteoporosis by preventing the breakdown of bone. 

Hormone Therapy for Sexual Health:

The loss of estrogen thins the lining of your vagina and decreases natural lubrication and can lead to uncomfortable symptoms of vaginal dryness, painful sex, urinary changes and more. Localized estrogen hormone therapy such as patches and creams can make a huge difference for your libido. Testosterone levels also drop with age and testosterone replacement therapy for women can help with low sex drive and fatigue. 

I'm ready, but my doctor isn't...

If you are ready to try hormone therapy for relief of your perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms and your doctor wont discuss this with you, it's ok to change doctors!

I can not stress enough the importance of finding a doctor or provider who will listen to you, who understands women's health issues including perimenopause and menopause and who will discuss hormone therapy options such as oral progesterone, oral estrogen and localized estrogen such as patches or creams. 

I myself had two separate doctors who told me my symptoms were "just part of aging" before I found someone who was able to get me some relief and I know that countless other women have similar stories. 

If your doctor ignores your requests or is simply behind the times, you owe it to yourself to find a doctor who is knowledgable and will discuss and prescribe hormone therapy. Will hormone therapy solve everything? Probably not, but most women report feeling better and more like themselves. And when you feel more like yourself it can feel easier to make other lifestyle changes to improve your health and wellbeing. 

If you are not sure where to start, here's the link to the the Menopause Society Find a Certified Menopause Practitioner.   

Perimenopause & Menopause - You Are Not Alone

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Send me a message and let me know how you are doing. 

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Holistic Wellness Coaching

Wherever you are in your menopause journey, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

I offer a supportive, personalized space to help you move forward with clarity and compassion.

If you’re curious about working together,  I am offering a 3 session New Client Package for $375. 

Be well,

Lisa

Compassion Within Coaching

https://www.compassionwithincoaching.com/

Disclaimer: The content of this newsletter is intended to support your health and wellness journey through education and reflection. It should not be construed as medical advice or replace the individualized recommendations of your healthcare provider.