Hormone Therapy in Charlottesville, VA
Reviewed by Margaret Willis, FNP
What is Hormone Therapy?
Hormone therapies (HT) are the prescription drugs used most often to treat perimenopause and/or menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, brain fog and mood changes. Some individuals also use HT to treat genitourinary syndrome (GSM) of menopause, including vaginal dryness, and to support bone health.
Types of Hormone Therapies
Systemic and low-dose are the two main types of hormone therapy.
- Systemic therapy: When hormones are delivered throughout the body via pills, patches, sprays, gels, or a vaginal ring, this is known as systemic therapy. Systemic doses are absorbed into the bloodstream at high-enough levels to have significant effects in widespread areas, which is needed to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes.
- Low-dose therapy: Also called vaginal estrogen therapy for GSM after menopause, this therapy is administered into the vagina and is effective for both moisturizing and rebuilding tissue. Very little goes into blood circulation, so the risks are far lower.
Systemic hormones generally only include estrogens and or progestogens. Hormone therapy is available in different forms to fit individual needs and preferences. Your provider will help determine the best option based on your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
Who Benefits from Hormone Therapy?
You might benefit from hormone replacement therapy if you are:
- Experiencing menopause or perimenopause with disruptive symptoms
- Struggling with hot flashes, night sweats, or sleep disturbances
- Noticing mood swings, irritability, or brain fog
- Dealing with vaginal dryness or discomfort during intercourse
- Experiencing a decrease in energy or libido
- Concerned about bone health and osteoporosis risk
- Managing hormone-related changes after a hysterectomy
What are the Risks?
Hormone therapy is generally safe for many individuals, but like any treatment, it comes with potential risks and those risks vary with the type, dose, route of administration, duration of use and age of initiation. Long-term use of certain types of HT could be linked to a slightly increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and breast or uterine cancer, depending on individual health factors. Your provider will carefully evaluate your medical history to determine the safest and most effective approach for your needs.
What To Expect
If hormone therapy is right for you, your provider will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and goals for treatment. They will explain how HT works and answer any questions you might have before recommending a personalized approach.
After starting treatment, you might begin to notice improvements in your symptoms within a few weeks, though full effects can take time. Some people might experience side effects such as bloating, headaches, or breast tenderness, which often improve over time. Follow-up appointments will help monitor your progress, adjust dosages if needed, and make sure the treatment is working as intended.