Menopausal Hormonal Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is a medical intervention designed to boost a woman’s hormone levels. As women get closer to menopause (the average age at onset is 51), their naturally occurring hormone levels ­- particularly estrogen and progesterone decrease considerably. This deficiency can bring on uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness, mood swings and problems sleeping. The prospect of osteoporosis ­- a loss of bone density ­- also increases. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) works to reestablish those hormone levels, which can curtail the negative side effects and help to prevent osteoporosis.