Menopause Hormone Therapy

Menopause is a natural and even liberating time in a woman’s life, but it can come with a host of disruptive symptoms. To make the transition easier and empower you to get the most out of every day, dual board-certified psychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioner Tamara McDonald, DNP, offers menopause hormone therapy at Mind and Body Medicine in Boise, Idaho. To learn more about this innovative treatment and how it can best fit into your busy life, call the Mind and Body Medicine office or connect online today to request a telemedicine or in-person visit.

What is menopause hormone therapy?

Menopause hormone therapy is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) designed specifically to treat the decline in estrogen and progesterone that occurs naturally as a woman begins menopause.

How does menopause hormone therapy improve quality of life?

Your hormones control many vital functions in your body, including appetite, anxiety levels, body temperature, heart rate, brain function, metabolism, sleep cycles, mood, sexual function, stress, and even urination. When your hormones are imbalanced, whether too low or too high, you naturally experience uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms.

Menopause hormone therapy can alleviate many troublesome symptoms, including:

• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Disturbed sleep with night sweats
• Joint pain
• Itchy skin
• Skin and hair health
• Headaches
• Aches and pains
• Irritability
• Sleeplessness
• Sex drive
• Balance
• Dizziness and vertigo

Meeting your body’s hormonal needs can come with additional health benefits, such as reducing your risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. However, Dr. McDonald may need to find an alternative if you’ve had hormone-dependent cancer or have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.

When do I need menopause hormone therapy?

You might benefit from menopause hormone therapy if you have moderate to severe menopausal symptoms or are going through premature menopause. Premature menopause is when you have your last period before age 40, and early menopause is when your final period happens between 40 and 45.

These conditions reduce your estrogen levels, which can increase your risk of long-term health conditions like osteoporosis, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. Menopause hormone therapy decreases these risks.

What can I expect from menopause hormone therapy?

Depending on your needs, Dr. McDonald can administer your therapy via oral pills, transdermal patches, vaginal creams, gels, rings, or sprays. She customizes your care so you receive the lowest effective dose to manage your symptoms.

You’ll work together to find a hormone delivery method that works with your lifestyle, and she can adapt your treatment plan if you need a change.

Is menopause hormone therapy safe?

Yes. Menopause hormone therapy is a thoroughly tested solution and safe for most women. If you have a medical condition or underlying medical concern that could cause problems, Dr. McDonald has the expertise to find another solution for your care.

To combat menopausal symptoms with a gold-standard treatment, schedule a menopause hormone therapy consultation with Dr. McDonald. Call Mind and Body Medicine today or request an appointment online to get started.