What Are My Hormone Therapy Options?

If you’re a woman, your hormones fluctuate throughout your life. How do you know what hormone therapy treatments are right for you? Read on as we explain.

Women’s reproductive hormones fluctuate significantly throughout their lives because of menstruation, pregnancy and delivery, and menopause. Many women suffer from a hormonal imbalance that causes distressing symptoms that interfere with daily life. 

Our board-certified family nurse practitioner, Letrice Mason, and Her Down There provide customized hormone therapy that’s geared to your specific concerns. We explain your options for hormone delivery based on your needs and preferences. 

Not all women can receive hormone therapy. We review your medical history and evaluate your health to determine if you’re a good candidate for hormone therapy. If you can’t take hormones, we prescribe other medications to help you. 

Reasons for hormone therapy 

Two of the main reasons you may need hormone therapy are because you’re beginning menopause or you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). You might also benefit from hormone therapy if you have hypothyroidism.

Menopause 

Menopause is a universal experience for women, most of whom enter this life stage when they’re 40 or older. Some women sail through menopause with no ill effects, but many report the following symptoms: 

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Brain fog
• Memory problems
• Vaginal atrophy
• Insomnia
• Loss of libido
• Mood swings 

These symptoms range from mild to severe. Severe menopausal symptoms diminish your quality of life and ability to function, but there is help. 

PCOS 

If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, you may suffer any of the following: 

• Irregular periods
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Thinning hair
• Skin darkening
• Mood changes 
• Insulin resistance 

Hormone therapy to reduce menopause symptoms 

Systemic or topical hormone therapy treatments are available. Systemic treatment delivers estrogen or estrogen and progesterone to treat severe menopausal symptoms. You have a choice of delivery methods, including pills, skin patches, gel, and vaginal rings. You’ll receive only estrogen if you’ve had a hysterectomy. If you still have your uterus, you’ll receive estrogen and progesterone or progestin. 

If your complaint is vaginal dryness, we can prescribe a low-dose estrogen vaginal ring, tablet, or cream to relieve it so that your intimate relationship with your partner remains as it has been. 

PCOS hormone therapy 

If you have PCOS, we prescribe a birth control pill with both estrogen and progestin. This combination has proved to be effective to help improve your symptoms. Your periods are more regular, acne breakouts subside, and abnormal hair growth stops. Progestin therapy is another option. FNP-C Mason lets you know which option is best for you. 

Thyroid deficiency

If you have hypothyroidism, your body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. In this case, we prescribe a common form of hormone replacement therapy that simulates your natural thyroid hormone. 

You don’t have to suffer from a hormonal imbalance and the resulting hot flashes and night sweats. You don’t have to be constantly fatigued, irritable, and/or unable to sleep. Call or message us today for an appointment if menopause, pregnancy, PCOS, or a thyroid disorder has caused distressing symptoms. We have offices in Arlington and Houston, Texas. Our Arlington office offers telemedicine appointments.