Hormones are made by glands in the body and are substances that stimulate certain cells, tissues, or organs into action.
Androgen hormones are made by the ovaries and testes. The ovaries use androgen to make estrogen from puberty until menopause.
As females age, estrogen production decreases. At some point, the ovaries stop making enough estrogen to thicken the uterine lining. This is when menstrual periods stop and menopause begins. This typically occurs during the ages of 45-55.
If the ovaries are removed during surgery, estrogen levels will drop suddenly, bringing about the symptoms of menopause.
Women can take hormones to relieve symptoms of menopause.
For women, estrogen plays a key role in the reproductive system:
Some symptoms that might occur with decreased estrogen levels are:
A hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat that spreads over the body and face. Skin may redden, like a blush, and sweating may occur. Hot flashes may last a few seconds to several minutes or longer. They may occur day or night several times a day or a few times a month. Estrogen can help relieve hot flashes.
Changes within the vagina after a loss of estrogen may include:
With women, osteoporosis may result from low estrogen levels. Estrogen helps to protect against bone loss.
Once you begin menopause, your bones slowly begin to lose strength. They become more fragile and more likely to break. The hip, wrist, and spine are most often affected.
Hormone therapy can help slow bone loss after menopause because estrogen helps preserve bone and works with other hormones to increase bone mass.
Deciding whether to take hormone therapy depends on your personal needs:
If you still have your uterus, therapy includes both estrogen and progestin (another hormone)
Hormone therapy can be given in many ways including:
When you take your therapy, it depends on the type you are administered:
Hormone therapy may increase the risk of:
Risks vary depending on how far a woman is past menopause. It is recommended that the the smallest dose of hormone therapy be taken that works.
Take therapy for the shortest amount of time possible. Monthly bleeding may resume, which you may find bothersome.
Some other options include:
These products have limited information about effectiveness. Some products are helpful in short-term treatment of symptoms. Some could cause harm. Herbal products and bioidentical hormones are not approved by the FDA.
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