As women transition through aging and menopause, many experience uncomfortable symptoms that can significantly impact their daily lives. These symptoms may range from low sex drive to hot flashes or sleeping troubles. Fortunately, there is a viable treatment option known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can help with certain signs and symptoms of decreasing hormones. 

That said, HRT is not a must-have for everyone. Many women can glide through this phase without much trouble and may not need additional medical treatments. Some women, though, can benefit from providing their bodies with the support of additional hormones during menopause 

If you’re curious about HRT and whether or not it may benefit you, we’ve put together a guide to some of the most common symptoms of a hormone imbalance.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

The signs and symptoms of menopause in women are traced to hormonal imbalances. In layman’s terms, your body stops producing certain hormones like estrogen and progesterone when you reach menopause.

HRT is a medical treatment program that aims to directly reinforce these hormones that the body can’t replenish naturally.

As these hormones balance out, the symptoms fizzle out. HRT also has additional benefits, like helping to prevent osteoporosis and bone fracture associated with falling estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone levels.

7 Signs You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy

Menopause symptoms are natural and universal — but in a situation where these symptoms are beginning to affect your quality of life, then it may be time to consider treatments like hormone replacement therapy.

Here are 7 common signs you may need hormone replacement therapy:

1. Severe Vaginal Irritation

Estrogen is the hormone that regulates the vagina’s thickness and elasticity. It also plays a key role in keeping the vagina naturally lubricated. Reduced levels or lack of estrogen usually result in vaginal inflammation and thinning, or simply put, vaginal atrophy.

This condition often causes discomfort, including itching and burning. 

It’s important to note, however, that vaginal itching and burning can be caused by conditions other than vaginal atrophy. STDs, yeast infections, and other issues could also present as vaginal itching and burning.

A visit to your gynecologist will help you determine for sure, allowing you to plan your future steps.

2. Low Sex Drive

A decrease in estrogen levels can affect your libido. In fact, some women might find sexual arousal more challenging as menopause sets in.

Menopause frequently results in vaginal dryness and the thinning of vaginal tissues, which can make sexual activity uncomfortable or even painful. 

A low sex drive is usually a telltale sign that you could benefit from HRT, especially if it’s starting to affect your daily well-being and happiness.

3. Chronic Insomnia

Menopause can contribute to sleep difficulties. You might find it difficult to go to sleep or stay asleep.

Insomnia resulting from menopause can lead to:

• Depression and anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory issues
• Higher risk of chronic conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease

If insomnia is becoming an ongoing issue, HRT may be able to help restore your normal sleep patterns and overall boost your quality of life.

4. Mood Swings

While mood swings are common for everyone, the hormonal fluctuations during menopause can cause them to occur more frequently. These intense mood changes can disrupt daily life and make routine tasks challenging.

Usually, engaging in regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation can be very helpful.

If you’ve given these methods a shot and failed to notice any improvement, you could consider treatments like HRT. 

5. Night Sweats

Fluctuating hormone levels can impact your body’s internal temperature regulation. Your blood vessels expand, causing sudden waves of heat that result in sweating and reddening of the skin. 

This condition is known as night sweats. Night sweats are common among women in the years preceding menopause, or perimenopause. They are one of the most well-known symptoms of menopause and a common indicator that this phase of life is starting. 

6. Urinary Problems

Estrogen helps maintain the structural integrity of the urethra, or the narrow tube that allows urine to pass from the kidneys out of the body.

In other words, low estrogen levels can directly translate to a weak urethra. A weak urethra, as you might imagine, can lead to certain bathroom inconveniences. For instance, you might not be able to make it to the bathroom in time when you feel the urge to relieve yourself.

Urine can also leak when coughing, sneezing, or laughing, a condition known as urinary stress incontinence. 

7. Hot Flashes

If you find yourself feeling warmth out of the blue, accompanied by redness in the face, and neck and sweating, then you may be experiencing hot flashes. These hot flashes are often quickly followed by chills. Hot flashes are a very common complaint among women transitioning to menopause. 

They occur when reduced estrogen levels make your body’s internal “thermostat” (the hypothalamus) more sensitive to minor changes in body temperature. 

As a result, the hypothalamus may misinterpret your body’s actual temperature, triggering a series of events that result in a hot flash. A hot flash can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.

There’s no hard and fast rule for how long a “normal” hot flash should last. The frequency and severity typically vary greatly among individuals. 

If these symptoms begin to affect your day-to-day life, consider discussing hormonal replacement therapy with your doctor.

Take Away

To conclude, menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life that presents with a variety of symptoms due to hormonal imbalances.

While some women navigate this transition with minimal discomfort, others may experience severe symptoms. For those most impacted, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers a promising treatment option by increasing the body’s hormone levels and alleviating symptoms to improve quality of life.

However, it’s important to note that HRT is not necessary for everyone. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your individual needs.

To learn more about HRT and start a treatment plan, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors today.