As a woman, you know what an important role estrogen plays in your life. From the time you hit puberty, through your childbearing years, until menopause, it will send you on a roller coaster ride. Every woman is unique. While some women may experience no discomfort or only mild symptoms from fluctuations in reproductive hormone levels, the effects can be extreme for others. If you are struggling with symptoms brought on by low estrogen levels as you approach menopause, hormone therapy for women may be a solution for you.
What are Symptoms of Low Estrogen Levels?
Menopause, the point when you stop menstruating for a minimum of twelve months, typically begins when a woman is in her late 40’s or early 50’s. However, it may occur earlier or later. Prior to entering menopause, you may experience symptoms of low estrogen. These symptoms go hand in hand with perimenopause, the stage leading up to menopause. Symptoms include:
- Loss of sexual drive
- Discomfort during intercourse due to vaginal dryness
- Skipped or irregular menstrual cycles
- Tender breasts
- Depression
- Unexplained fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sudden changes in your mood
If you are in your 40’s or 50’s and experiencing these symptoms, there is a strong possibility that your estrogen levels are a factor. However, these changes could happen at any age after puberty if you go into early menopause, you have had a hysterectomy or you have a medical condition that has affected your reproductive hormone levels.
What Can You Do About Low Hormone Levels?
You have several options if you are struggling with low hormone levels. You can do nothing at all and live with your symptoms. You can try life style changes, such as changes in diet, exercise, and relaxation techniques to help you cope with what is happening inside your body. Supplements targeting pre-menopause symptoms and other over-the-counter products may give you comfort. If nothing you have tried has helped you to feel better, it’s time to consider hormone therapy for women.
How Do You Know if You are a Candidate for Hormone Therapy for Women?
The best way to determine if hormone therapy could help you is to see a professional who specializes in hormone replacement therapy. The first step will be a consultation. You will be asked about your symptoms, how long you have been experiencing them, and how severe they are. Your overall health will be assessed. Your medical history will be taken into consideration as well to look for any other factors that could be related to your symptoms. Blood samples will be taken in order to check:
- Your hormone levels
- The enzyme levels produced by your level
- How well your thyroid is functioning
- Other factors related to your metabolism
Once the results are in, your specialist will be able to determine if hormone therapy is right for you. If low estrogen levels are the problem, hormone therapy can help you to restore balance in your body again, easing your journey into menopause.
What Can You Expect During Hormone Therapy?
If your specialist recommends hormone replacement therapy for you, you will be given a dosage of replacement hormones that is specific to your needs. Hormones used in hormone replacement therapy have the same chemical foundation as the estrogen that is naturally produced in your body. This will help you to relieve your symptoms without causing unwelcome side effects. Your specialist will check in with you regularly to monitor your symptoms. If you are not happy with your results, you may need an adjustment in your dosage. Hormone therapy generally takes a few weeks before you feel an improvement. With consistent treatment, you should notice a considerable difference after three months.
Learn More About Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
If you think you may be suffering from low estrogen levels, we are are here to help you to find answers. Contact us today at (205) 352-9141 to make an appointment for your initial evaluation. Our specialists are here to make your well-being our priority. We’ll work closely with you to discover why you feel the way you do so we can create a the right treatment plan for you. Call today to find out if hormone therapy for women can help you.
