Say Goodbye to Menopausal Symptoms with Sex Hormone Therapy

Onset of menopause is often a difficult time for women, both physically and mentally. Sex hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a widely recommended therapeutic option for women suffering from menopausal symptoms hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats and dry skin.

In sex hormone therapy, the body is supplemented with estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone which are the female sex hormones; this treatment is usually carried out during and after menopause. This treatment becomes necessary as the levels of estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries decrease with advancing age especially in women approaching menopause.

Estrogen and progesterone are required by the body in not just keeping the vagina and uterus healthy but also to maintain healthy levels of blood cholesterol thereby keeping heart disease at bay. The levels of these hormones also influence calcium metabolism and hence is a deciding factor in the development of osteoporosis. Sex hormone therapy can help to replenish the levels of these hormones thereby offering protection against heart disease and osteoporosis. It can also help to relieve other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, excessive sweating and vaginal dryness which can cause painful intercourse.

Hormone replacement therapy is basically of two types; the first is estrogen therapy where only this hormone is prescribed in low doses as a pill, patch or cream. The next type of sex hormone therapy is progestin-estrogen combination therapy where both the hormones are given in low doses; this treatment can also be given to prevent the regular and monthly menstrual bleeding. But a thing to remember is to use this therapy only in very low doses and for the shortest time possible.

HRT offers great relief from most menopausal symptoms and in addition improves a sense of well-being and balances out mood swings in many women. But just like any other treatment method, this therapeutic option also carries some risks and should only be undertaken if advised by your doctor. Prolonged use of HRT can increase your risk of developing endometrial cancer especially if only estrogen is being taken, blood clots and stroke. Consult a specialist who will assess your hormone levels and then suggest this therapy if required for a short duration.

Sex hormone therapy is also not recommended for those who have a past history of cancer, liver disease, and stroke or during pregnancy. If used wisely, this treatment option can work wonders in reducing all the symptoms associated with menopause and help you lead a stress free life.

Marley Hayden concentrates on different niches, especially on health and, in this article she writes about Sex Hormone Therapy and more about what is known otherwise as the Biomimetic Hormones. The website includes information on the alternative treatment options for several problems like menopause, andropause etc.