Therapies for menopause: How hormone therapy can improve your wellness
Menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life, often with symptoms that affect her well-being. For many, finding the right menopause therapies is critical during this transition, especially considering that 12% experience early menopause.
These changes not only impact quality of life, but also increase the risk of health problems such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Among the options available, hormone therapy for menopause has established itself as a science-backed strategy.
In this article, we will explore what menopause therapies are, the different available types, and how hormone therapy can help mitigate the negative effects of this natural transition.
What are menopause therapies?
Therapies for menopause are treatments designed to alleviate the symptoms that appear when hormone levels begin to decline at this stage of life. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats and genitourinary syndrome, as well as mood and metabolic changes.
The main objective of these menopause therapies is to restore the body’s hormonal balance and reduce the impact of these symptoms, allowing women to maintain a healthy and active life. Hormone therapy for menopause is the most effective option for this purpose, as it relieves vasomotor symptoms and protects against bone density loss.
In addition to alleviating immediate symptoms, therapies for menopause may also offer long-term benefits, such as prevention of cardiovascular disease and protection against bone density loss, thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Types of therapies for menopause
There are different therapies for menopause, each with specific approaches to relieve symptoms and improve well-being.
Hormonal therapy for menopause
It is the most effective treatment to combat the symptoms of menopause. It consists of the administration of hormones that the body has stopped producing, mainly estrogens and progesterone, to restore hormonal balance. It can be administered in different forms:
- Oral pills
- Transdermal patch
- Gels and creams
- Implants or injections
Non-hormonal therapies
For those women who cannot or prefer to avoid hormone therapy for menopause, there are alternative options, such as:
- Some phytotherapy formulations, such as soy isoflavones, have shown moderate effects in relieving vasomotor symptoms.
It has been observed that acupuncture and electroacupuncture may be viable alternatives to reduce symptoms such as hot flashes and anxiety in women who cannot receive hormonal therapy.
Types of hormones used in hormone therapy for menopause
In the hormone therapy for menopause, depending on the symptoms and needs of each woman, doctors may recommend different combinations of hormones.
Estrogens
Estrogens are the most important hormones in hormone therapy for menopause, as their decline is the main cause of symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and loss of bone density. Some of the most common forms of estrogen in treatments include:
Estradiol (E2): It is the type of estrogen most similar to that produced by the female body, so it is absorbed and works more effectively. It is administered orally, transdermally (patches or gel) and vaginally.
Conjugated equine estrogens (CEE): A mixture of more than ten estrogenic compounds derived from natural sources, used in combination therapies for menopause.
Estriol: A milder estrogen, used in some local therapies to minimize side effects.
Progesterone
If the woman still has a womb, hormone therapy for menopause usually includes progesterone to balance the effect of estrogen and protect the endometrium (tissue that lines the womb). The most common forms are:
Natural micronized progesterone: Similar to that produced by the body, it minimizes side effects and has a safer profile regarding cardiovascular and breast health.
Synthetic progestins:
Synthetic versions of progesterone include medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), norethisterone acetate (NETA) and dydrogesterone.
Mixed Therapy (Estrogen + Progesterone)
Many women receive a combination of estrogen and progesterone for a more balanced treatment, reducing risks and optimizing benefits. This therapy is particularly recommended for women with a womb, as progesterone protects against abnormal endometrial growth.
Androgens (Testosterone in low doses)
Although less common, some women may benefit from testosterone supplementation, as this hormone also plays a key role in libido, energy and mood. Its use in hormone therapy for menopause is still an area under investigation, but may be considered in certain cases.
What the science says:
● Research has shown that intermittent fasting can reduce the risk of neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases.
● It is particularly effective when combined with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.
Is hormone therapy for menopause safe?
The safety of hormone therapy for menopause has been extensively studied and continues to be a topic of debate in the medical community. However, the latest scientific evidence supports that, when administered in a personalized manner and under medical supervision, the benefits outweigh the risks for most women.
Are there any associated risks?
Some concerns about hormone therapy for menopause have arisen from previous studies indicating a possible increased risk of certain health problems. However, more recent research has shown that these risks depend on factors such as:
Age at treatment initiation:
It is recommended to start therapy within the first 10 years after menopause, as this reduces possible adverse effects.
Type of hormones used:
Estrogen therapy alone (for women without a womb) and combined therapy with progesterone (for women with a womb) have different risk profiles.
Treatment duration:
The optimal duration varies according to each woman, but in general, the shortest possible time is sought to obtain the maximum benefits with the minimum risk.
Scientific studies and current evidence
- The studies reviewed indicate that hormone therapy for menopause can have a positive impact on cardiovascular health if initiated in women younger than 60 years or within the first 10 years after menopause.
- However, the risk of thromboembolic events depends on the route of administration; transdermal therapy has been observed to reduce this risk compared to oral administration.
- While the risk of breast cancer with combined hormone therapy (estrogen + progestin) has been a point of debate, recent studies suggest that estrogen-only therapy in women without a womb may even reduce the risk of breast cancer.
There is evidence that hormone therapy for menopause may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer in some women.
Regain your wellness with hormone therapy for menopause
Menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life, but it does not have to mean a diminished quality of life. Thanks to advances in medical science, menopause therapies offer effective solutions to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings and loss of bone density.
Among these options, hormone therapy for menopause has established itself as one of the most effective in restoring hormonal balance and improving overall well-being. In addition to alleviating immediate symptoms, it also provides long-term benefits, such as protection against osteoporosis and improved cardiovascular health.
However, every woman is unique and requires treatment tailored to her specific needs. At Medical Health Institute, we design customized menopause therapies based on science and a holistic approach to health. Our team of longevity and biohacking experts is ready to help you find the best solution for your well-being.
Book your personalized consultation with our specialists today and take the first step towards a healthy and balanced menopause.
