What’s the Deal With Hormone Replacement Therapy?
You don't have to wait until menopause symptoms become overwhelming to talk with a physician. If you're 40 or olderand experiencing changes in your periods, sleep, energy, mood, concentration, sexual health, or overall sense of well-being, consider scheduling a consultation with Susan Poncy, MD.
Why Women Over 40 Are Asking About Hormones
If you’re in your 40s or 50s and suddenly don’t feel quite like yourself, changing hormones may be part of the reason. Perimenopause can begin years before your final menstrual period and may bring symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, disrupted sleep, mood changes, brain fog, vaginal dryness, changes in sexual health, and shifts in body composition. At Susan Poncy, MD, women receive individualized care that looks beyond simply accepting these changes as a normal part of getting older.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also called menopausal hormone therapy, typically involves replacing estrogen and, for women who still have a uterus, adding progesterone to protect the uterine lining. Treatment may include estrogen delivered through a patch, gel, spray, or pill, while certain women may benefit from localized vaginal estrogen for genitourinary symptoms. There is no single hormone regimen that’s appropriate for every woman, which is why treatment should begin with a thoughtful medical evaluation.
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?
The answer depends on the individual. A woman’s age, menopause timing, symptoms, personal and family medical history, cardiovascular risk, breast health, history of blood clots, and other factors can influence whether hormone therapy is appropriate. For many healthy women experiencing bothersome menopausal symptoms, current medical guidance recognizes hormone therapy as an effective treatment when appropriately prescribed. The decision should be made with a physician who can explain the potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and appropriate monitoring based on your individual health.
Menopause Care Is About More Than Hot Flashes
Menopause is an opportunity to take a closer look at your health for the decades ahead. Changes in estrogen occur during the same stage of life when women may begin noticing differences in cholesterol, bone density, muscle mass, sleep, weight distribution, sexual health, and cardiovascular risk. Dr. Susan Poncy takes a comprehensive approach to women’s health, considering your symptoms alongside preventive screenings, metabolic health, bone health, sexual wellness, and your personal goals for healthy aging.
Talk With Dr. Susan Poncy About Hormone Replacement Therapy
You don’t have to wait until menopause symptoms become overwhelming to talk with a physician. If you’re 40 or olderand experiencing changes in your periods, sleep, energy, mood, concentration, sexual health, or overall sense of well-being, consider scheduling a consultation with Susan Poncy, MD. A personalized menopause and hormone evaluation can help determine what is changing, whether hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate, and what other strategies can help you feel and function your best through perimenopause, menopause, and the years beyond.