Menopause Estrogen Therapy Can Help Mitigate Symptoms
Knowing how to manage symptoms of menopause will help alleviate distress. Options such as menopause estrogen therapy are popular options. In this article we look at what menopause is, explore the signs and symptoms and discuss the different types of estrogen therapy available to help women navigate this significant life stage. We will also discuss a treatment option, Myfembree, used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Menopause
The signs and symptoms of menopause can vary from woman to woman and can be categorized into three main groups: physical, psychological and genitourinary.
Physical Symptoms
- Hot flashes: Perhaps one of the most well-known symptoms of menopause, hot flashes are sudden sensations of intense heat that can affect the upper body and face. They are often accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat.
- Night sweats: Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating that occur during sleep and can disrupt a woman's sleep quality.
- Vaginal dryness: The decrease in estrogen levels can lead to a loss of vaginal lubrication, which may result in discomfort, pain during intercourse and an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
- Changes in menstrual cycle: Irregular periods, including lighter or heavier bleeding, are common during perimenopause, which is the period leading up to menopause.
- Weight gain: Many women experience weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, during menopause. This can be attributed to hormonal changes and a decrease in metabolic rate.
- Bone health: Decreased estrogen levels can lead to a reduction in bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Psychological Symptoms
- Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to mood swings, irritability and even depression.
- Memory and concentration issues: Some women report difficulties with memory and concentration during menopause, often referred to as "menopausal brain fog."
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia and other sleep problems are common, and they can further exacerbate other symptoms.
Genitourinary Symptoms
- Urinary incontinence: Menopause can lead to a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, which may result in urinary incontinence.
- Changes in libido: Many women experience a decline in sexual desire and changes in sexual function during menopause.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive capacity. It typically occurs in her late 40s or early 50s, although the age at which it starts can vary widely. Menopause is the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, signaling the cessation of ovarian function. This natural process is driven by a reduction in the production of hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
Menopause Estrogen Therapy
For women seeking relief from the symptoms of menopause, estrogen therapy is a viable option. It involves the administration of estrogen, which can help alleviate a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms. Here are the types of estrogen therapy available.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT involves taking a combination of estrogen and progesterone for women who have not had a hysterectomy. It is available in various forms, including pills, patches, creams, gels and vaginal rings. HRT is highly effective at relieving hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
Estrogen-Only Therapy
Estrogen-only therapy is intended for women who have had a hysterectomy. It is available in the same forms as HRT. Estrogen-only therapy is primarily used to alleviate the physical symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, and also helps protect against osteoporosis.
Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogen
Low-dose vaginal estrogen treatments, such as creams, tablets or rings, are used specifically to address vaginal dryness and discomfort. They are applied directly to the vaginal tissues, delivering localized relief with minimal systemic absorption.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical hormone therapy uses hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body. This therapy is available in various forms, including creams, gels and capsules. While some women prefer bioidentical hormones, their safety and efficacy are still the subject of ongoing research.
Duavee
Duavee is a medication that combines two active ingredients: conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene. It is primarily used to treat menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who have not had a hysterectomy. Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of several estrogens and Bazedoxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). SERMs work by binding to estrogen receptors in the body, which can help counteract some of the negative effects of estrogen on the uterine lining.
Myfembree For Endometriosis
Myfembree is indicated for the management of moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis. It works by blocking the action of GnRH receptors, leading to a reduction in the production of certain hormones that contribute to endometriosis.
Some women also take different vitamins to help manage symptoms of menopause.
Final Notes
Menopause is a significant life transition that brings with it a range of challenging symptoms. Menopause estrogen therapy is an effective way to manage these symptoms and improve a woman's overall quality of life. The choice of therapy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering individual health history and needs. As medical knowledge and research continue to evolve, women can expect more personalized and effective treatments to help them navigate the journey through menopause with confidence and comfort.