At certain times of your life, you and your body will go through great changes; menopause can be one of these times. The changes you may be experiencing during menopause are the result of hormonal imbalances in your body. Rest assured that the hormonal fluctuations that you are experiencing are typical of this stage of your reproductive life.
Hormones are very important to you and your body. They play a big part in helping to regulate many of the body's functions by acting as chemical messengers. When one part of your body wants to communicate with another, it releases hormones. It's this system that lets you know when you're in pain, tired, or hungry.
When your hormone levels drop, as can happen during menopause, you may experience a number of side effects, commonly known as the symptoms of menopause. While the symptoms of menopause are perfectly natural, you may still want relief from them. There are a number of remedies that could combat these symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one treatment method. Continue reading to learn more about HRT.
All About HRT
Your hormone levels can drop during menopause, which you may lead you to experience the symptoms of menopause. Common menopausal symptoms include brittle nails, irregular periods, mood swings, bloating, sleep disorders, dizziness and changes in your bodily odors. Many symptoms of menopause are caused by undulating hormone levels in your body. It may be possible to combat your symptoms by replenishing the hormones that you've lost during this stage of your reproductive life. HRT is a technique of hormone replacement that is based on this thesis.
The hormones that can be used in HRT include estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. You may be administered hormone replacement therapy doses through patches, creams, troches, intrauterine devices, gels, vaginal rings or by injection. HRT has been shown to treat diminished libido, osteoporosis, hot flashes, and other common symptoms of menopause; however, some studies have shown that patients undergoing HRT can be at risk of experiencing certain side effects, including reported changes in weight. Read on to learn more.
HRT and Weight
Some women have reported that HRT can help them lose weight, while others report that they, in fact, gain weight. There is no conclusive evidence to suggest either case is predominant among HRT patients. However, studies have shown that those receiving HRT can have increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and breast cancer. Therefore, as with all significant changes to your lifestyle, you should consult a relevant healthcare professional before commencing.
Click on the following link to learn about alternative treatments to help combat your symptoms of menopause.
