Easing Menopause Symptoms with Hormone Replacement Therapy
No matter how well we take care of our bodies, menopause is a natural transition that can cause a range of discomforting symptoms. The three-stage transition of menopause often includes symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, vaginal discomfort, and urinary problems. Many of these symptoms are caused by the decline in hormone production responsible for regulating fertility and the menstrual cycle. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can provide relief for some of these symptoms.
A Holistic Approach to Restoring Hormone Imbalances
As an internal medicine specialist, Dr. Diane Brzezinski, D.O., uses a holistic approach to help ease her patients through the stages of menopause. HRT, specifically bioidentical hormone replacement pellet therapy (BHRT), can restore hormone imbalances caused by menopause and aging. Unlike most HRTs, bioidentical hormones used in BHRT closely replicate the molecular structure of the natural hormones our bodies produce, allowing for more efficient absorption and utilization than synthetic hormones.
BHRT uses all-natural “bioidentical” hormones derived from plant sources. It is formulated as pellets, inserted under the skin to deliver a steady absorption of hormones to maintain consistent levels. Oral and transdermal hormone delivery often causes fluctuations in energy and mood because they cannot maintain consistent hormone levels.
BHRT can restore hormone balance during all three stages of menopause, helping with symptoms such as insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and depression, among others. During perimenopause, BHRT can help restore libido and control mood swings, prevent hair from becoming brittle, thinning skin, and decreases in bone density. During menopause, BHRT may be able to help reduce headaches, loss of concentration, hair loss, weight gain, and other symptoms. BHRT’s benefits continue when used for postmenopause.
The BHRT process is easy and can be performed by a certified provider. A physical exam and hormone-level testing are used to determine the viability of BHRT for the patient and the proper hormone formulation in the pellet. The pellet is inserted via incision into fatty tissue under the skin of the upper buttocks. After insertion, the pellet slowly dissolves as the body absorbs the hormones as needed for a period of three to six months.
Dr. Brzezinski combines other treatment options with BHRT based on her holistic approach to treating the whole patient rather than just symptoms. It is essential to find a provider that meets your individual needs and preferences and can provide a holistic approach to treating menopausal symptoms, including:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Indigestion
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Vaginal discomfort and dryness
- Breast tenderness
- Decreased libido
- Urinary problems
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Decrease in bone density
- Loss of concentration
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Thinning skin
- Brittle hair
- Hair loss
- Emotional distress
In conclusion, menopause is a natural transition that can cause a wide variety of discomforting symptoms. BHRT can restore hormone imbalances caused by menopause and aging and provide relief for some of these symptoms. BHRT uses all-natural “bioidentical” hormones that closely replicate the molecular structure of the natural hormones our bodies produce, allowing for more efficient absorption and utilization than synthetic hormones. The BHRT process is easy and can be performed by a certified provider. A holistic approach to treating menopausal symptoms is vital to find a provider that meets your individual needs and preferences.