Hormone Replacement Specialist

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy is a term for medications used to regulate and replace hormones that are lost or reduced during perimenopause and menopause. During perimenopause, your body naturally produces less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone that are responsible for regulating your mood, energy levels, body weight, and sex drive.

As these hormones decline, you’ll experience menopause symptoms ranging from hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia to mood disorders, weight gain, and low libido. Using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Dr. Chen can help you regulate your hormone levels to reduce uncomfortable symptoms.

What are the benefits of hormone replacement therapy?

By regulating hormone levels with HRT, you can experience:

• Decreased night sweats and hot flashes
• Better sleep
• Improved mood
• Weight loss
• Increased energy

HRT comes in multiple forms, including pills, injections, and tiny implants under your skin. Some forms of HRT are naturally derived while others come from specific medications. Dr. Chen can recommend the best type of HRT for you based on your symptoms and your hormone levels, which are determined by blood tests.

How does hormone replacement therapy work?

HRT works by decreasing the roller coaster effect of hormonal imbalance. HRT prescriptions are formulated to fill in the gaps left by decreasing hormones, so you have fewer symptoms. As your hormone levels naturally decrease, the dosage you need can be modified.

With HRT, you’re able to taper off of natural hormones when you reach menopause and use hormone replacement to reduce your symptoms throughout the transition. Hormones also have a protective effect, especially in women who’ve experienced early menopause before the age of 40 or have had their ovaries removed. Hormones help to protect your bones, heart, and mental health and are linked to reducing the risk of developing Parkinson’s-like symptoms.

Is hormone replacement therapy safe?

For most women, HRT is a safe option to managing menopause symptoms. Some women should avoid HRT – especially if they’ve had breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer or a history of blood clots, stroke, or liver disease. Discuss your medical history with Dr. Chen, and he’ll help you determine if HRT is a safe treatment for you.

To learn if hormone replacement can help you, call the office or schedule a visit online with Dr. Chen OB-GYN P.A. now.