Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy

Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Expert Care at Michigan Fertility Institute

Understanding Menopause and Its Effects on Your Health

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. During menopause, the ovaries gradually decrease their production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, leading to the cessation of menstruation and a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. At Michigan Fertility Institute, we provide guidance and support for women experiencing menopause, helping them navigate this phase of life with expert care.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is defined as the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. However, the transition to menopause, known as perimenopause, can begin several years before, as hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings become more noticeable. The symptoms of menopause can vary significantly from woman to woman, but common signs include:

• Hot flashes: Sudden feelings of warmth, often accompanied by sweating, that can occur at any time.
  
• Night sweats: Excessive sweating during the night that may disrupt sleep.
  
• Irregular periods: As menopause approaches, menstrual cycles may become shorter or longer, heavier or lighter, and more unpredictable.
  
• Vaginal dryness: Reduced estrogen levels can cause thinning and dryness of the vaginal tissues, leading to discomfort.
  
• Mood changes: Many women experience irritability, anxiety, or depression during perimenopause.
  
• Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep is common during menopause.
  

Impact of Menopause on Fertility

As a woman transitions into menopause, fertility declines significantly due to the reduced production of eggs and the absence of ovulation. While pregnancy is still possible in the years leading up to menopause, it becomes increasingly difficult. For women who are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause but desire to build their family, options may include donor eggs/embryos.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): A Common Treatment for Menopause Symptoms

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is often considered to relieve menopause symptoms by supplementing the body’s decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone. We offer support in understanding the benefits and risks of HRT and can help collaborate with other specialists to discuss potential treatment options. At Michigan Fertility Institute, we focus on providing comprehensive information and support to help you make informed choices based on your individual needs.

Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

There are different types of HRT available, depending on a woman’s health needs. Common forms of HRT include:

• Estrogen-only therapy: For women who have had a hysterectomy and no longer have a uterus, estrogen-only therapy may be prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms.
  
• Combined estrogen and progesterone therapy: For women with an intact uterus, a combination of estrogen and progesterone is typically used to reduce the risk of uterine cancer that can occur with estrogen-only therapy.
  
• Low-dose birth control: For women in perimenopause who still have their uterus and are experiencing heavy or irregular periods, low-dose birth control pills may be considered to regulate hormone levels and alleviate symptoms.
  

Benefits and Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy

While HRT can provide significant relief from menopause symptoms, it is important to carefully consider the benefits and risks. Some of the potential benefits of HRT include:

• Relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness
  
• Improvement in mood swings and sleep disturbances
  
• Protection against bone loss and reduced risk of osteoporosis
  

However, HRT may carry risks, including an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, or breast cancer in certain individuals. It is important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider to determine what’s best for you.

Personalized Care and Ongoing Support

At Michigan Fertility Institute, we offer compassionate care for women experiencing menopause. We understand that this transition is unique to each woman, and we are here to provide expert guidance and support. Whether you are managing symptoms or exploring fertility preservation options, we are committed to helping you navigate this phase with confidence and care.