Hormone Therapy for Menopause in Bellingham, WA

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is a treatment offered at Mt. Shuksan Family Medicine and Dermatology in Bellingham, WA.

It is used to relieve symptoms associated with menopause. During menopause, a woman's body produces lower levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, leading to various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. MHT works by supplementing these hormones to help alleviate these symptoms.

Types of Menopausal Hormone Therapy:

1. Estrogen Therapy (ET): Estrogen is the primary hormone used in MHT. It is often prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus), as they no longer need progesterone.

2. Combined Estrogen-Progestogen Therapy (EPT): For women who still have their uterus, a combination of estrogen and progestogen (a synthetic form of progesterone) is used. The progestogen helps prevent the thickening of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia), which can lead to cancer if estrogen is used alone.

Forms of Menopausal Hormone Therapy:

• Pills/Tablets: Taken orally.
• Skin Patches: Applied to the skin, where hormones are absorbed.
• Gels/Creams: Applied to the skin for absorption.
• Vaginal Rings, Creams, or Tablets: Primarily used to treat vaginal symptoms like dryness and discomfort.

Benefits of Menopausal Hormone Therapy:

• Relief of Menopausal Symptoms: MHT is effective in reducing hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
• Bone Health: It helps prevent bone loss and reduces the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.

Risks of Menopausal Hormone Therapy

• Increased Risk of Certain Conditions: Long-term use of MHT, especially combined therapy, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, and heart disease.
• Personalized Treatment: The decision to use MHT should be personalized, taking into account a woman’s health history, age, and the severity of symptoms. It is usually recommended at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed.

Who Should Consider MHT?

• Women experiencing moderate to severe menopausal symptoms that affect their quality of life.
• Women at risk of osteoporosis who cannot tolerate other treatments for bone health.

Who May Want to Avoid MHT?

• Women with a history of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, or heart disease.
• Women who are pregnant or have unexplained vaginal bleeding.

In summary, menopausal hormone therapy is a treatment option for managing symptoms of menopause, offering significant relief for many women. However, it is essential to carefully weigh the benefits and risks with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.