Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bringing hormonal balance in your menopause treatment.
Menopause can be a difficult transition for some women, especially due to hormonal imbalances. As you age, your body begins to produce less estrogen, leading to uncomfortable menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal atrophy and osteoporosis.
Sex Hormones
Sex hormones are produced by the ovaries or adrenal gland and affects the growth or function of the reproductive organs or the development of secondary sex characteristics. It can also be used as medications when made in a laboratory to be identical to what the body makes. It also includes non-sex hormones such as thyroid hormone.
Estrogen
A variety of hormonal chemical compounds produced by the ovaries, influencing the growth and health of female reproductive organs. They are active in many cells throughout the body by interacting with estrogen receptors. The three main naturally occurring estrogens in women are estradiol, estrone and estriol.
Estrogen levels fall after menopause. Several types of estrogen therapies are available for menopause indications. Also available in some contraceptives, but at much higher doses than those used for menopause treatment.
Progestogen
A naturally occurring or synthetic progestational hormone. There are various progestogen options: progesterone (identical to the hormone produced by the ovaries) and several different progestins (compounds synthesized to act like progesterone).
Progesterone
A female hormone that is released by the ovaries after ovulation to prepare the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to receive and sustain the fertilized egg and thus permit pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone (and estrogen) levels fall, resulting in menstruation. Available in prescription and nonprescription therapies.
Hormone Therapies
The menopause team the Methodist Women’s Center Menopause clinic will help you overcome these symptoms through a number of hormone therapies.
Estrogen Therapy (ET)
General term describing a wide range of estrogen types that are available in various systemic and local formulations in oral, skin patch, and vaginal prescription drugs government approved for treating moderate to severe hot flashes and vaginal atrophy, and preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis. ET is prescribed without progestogen to women without a uterus.
Estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT)
Also known as combination hormone therapy. Estrogen is the hormone in this duo that provides the most relief for menopause-related symptoms. Progestogen is added to protect the uterus from estrogen stimulation and the increased risk of endometrial cancer.