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Hormonal changes are a natural part of aging, but the symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause can affect your sleep, energy, mood, sexual health, and quality of life.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also called menopausal hormone therapy, can be an effective treatment for certain menopausal symptoms. For some women, it may also play a role in protecting bone health.
Bioidentical hormones are designed to have the same molecular structure as hormones produced naturally by the body. However, "bioidentical" does not automatically mean that a treatment is safer or more appropriate for everyone. The type, dose, route of administration, and individual health history all matter.
Dr. Toubi takes an individualized approach to hormone therapy, considering your symptoms, medical history, risk factors, lifestyle, and treatment goals before recommending a plan.
Hormone replacement therapy replaces or supplements hormones that the body is producing at lower levels during menopause.
Estrogen therapy is particularly effective for vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. It can also help treat genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause and can help prevent bone loss while treatment is being used.
For women with a uterus who use systemic estrogen, progesterone or another appropriate progestogen is generally needed to protect the lining of the uterus.
HRT is not appropriate for everyone. The decision should be based on your symptoms, age, time since menopause, health history, and individual risk factors.
HRT can be a beacon of relief for those experiencing menopausal symptoms, at increased risk of osteoporosis or bone fractures, undergoing surgical menopause after procedures like hysterectomy, or encountering early menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency.
We know that those people on hormone replacement therapy, not only live longer, but live better in the years that they are alive.
The average age of natural menopause in the United States is around 51. Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period when there is no other medical explanation for the absence of periods.
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During this transition, hormone levels can fluctuate and symptoms may begin before periods stop completely.
Common symptoms include:
When symptoms are present, your medical history and clinical evaluation are often more useful than relying on a single hormone measurement.
Every woman responds differently to hormone therapy.
During your consultation, Dr. Toubi reviews your symptoms, medical history, medications, lifestyle, health goals, and individual risk factors. This information helps determine whether hormone therapy is appropriate and, if so, which treatment approach may be suitable.
Laboratory testing may be recommended when it can provide clinically useful information.
Your treatment plan may also include nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and other lifestyle factors that can influence your health during midlife.
The goal is not simply to change hormone numbers. It is to address your symptoms and overall health while using the lowest appropriate treatment exposure for the intended goal.
Depending on your individual treatment plan, estrogen may be available in different forms, including:
The route of administration can affect how the medication is absorbed and may influence the risks and benefits of treatment.
Women who have a uterus and use systemic estrogen generally need an appropriate progestogen to protect the uterine lining from endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
Depending on your individual circumstances, this may include oral progesterone or another approved progestogen option.
The appropriate treatment depends on the type and dose of estrogen, your medical history, and your individual needs.
Women naturally produce testosterone, although in much smaller amounts than men.
Testosterone therapy may be considered for certain postmenopausal women, particularly those with hypoactive sexual desire disorder after other contributing factors have been evaluated.
Testosterone is not a universal treatment for fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, or muscle loss.
Potential delivery methods include:
Treatment requires appropriate dosing and monitoring.
Like any medication, hormone therapy can have side effects. Depending on the treatment, these may include:
Some side effects may improve after the initial adjustment period, while others may require a change in dose, formulation, or treatment approach.
HRT also has potential risks that need to be discussed before treatment. These risks can vary based on factors such as age, health history, type of hormone, route of administration, dose, and duration of treatment.
During your consultation, Dr. Toubi discusses the potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and monitoring requirements so you can make an informed decision.
Every woman's response to HRT is different.
Some women notice improvement in symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats within weeks, while other symptoms may take longer to improve.
Treatment response can depend on the symptoms being treated, the type of hormone therapy, dosage, route of administration, and individual health factors.
Potential improvements may include:
HRT is not a guaranteed weight-loss treatment or a general anti-aging therapy. A healthy approach to midlife health also includes appropriate nutrition, resistance exercise, cardiovascular activity, sleep, and preventive care.
Hormone therapy is not simply about selecting a hormone and writing a prescription.
Dr. Toubi considers your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, health goals, and individual risk factors when discussing treatment.
She also discusses the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives so you can understand your options and participate in decisions about your care.
Your treatment plan can be adjusted over time based on your symptoms, response to treatment, side effects, and changing health needs.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses hormones such as estrogen and, when appropriate, progesterone or other progestogens to treat certain symptoms and health concerns associated with menopause. Treatment is individualized based on your symptoms, medical history, age, and health risks.
HRT is particularly effective for symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. It can also help with vaginal dryness and other genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause. Some women may also notice improvements in sleep and overall quality of life when these symptoms are related to menopause.
HRT can be an appropriate treatment for many women, but it is not right for everyone. The potential benefits and risks depend on factors such as your age, health history, type of hormone, dose, route of administration, and when treatment is started. Dr. Toubi reviews these factors before recommending treatment.
Women who have a uterus and use systemic estrogen generally need an appropriate progestogen to protect the lining of the uterus. The type and dosing depend on the estrogen treatment and your individual health needs. Women who have had their uterus removed may not need progesterone for this purpose.
HRT may be appropriate for some women during perimenopause when symptoms are affecting their quality of life. You do not necessarily need to wait until your periods have stopped completely. Dr. Toubi evaluates your symptoms, health history, risk factors, and treatment goals to determine whether hormone therapy may be appropriate for you.
If you're experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, vaginal symptoms, changes in sexual health, or other symptoms associated with perimenopause or menopause, hormone therapy may be one treatment option to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Dr. Toubi provides individualized hormone replacement therapy for women in Beverly Hills, with treatment decisions based on your symptoms, health history, risk factors, and personal goals.
Whether you're considering HRT for the first time or want to discuss an existing treatment plan, a consultation can help you understand your options.
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