Signs You May Need Hormone Replacement Therapy

Menopause is a natural process that all women experience. However, the transition can feel anything but normal. As your body adjusts to changing hormone levels, you might experience a wide range of physical and emotional changes. While some women navigate this phase with minimal disruption, others find that the symptoms significantly impact their quality of life.

If you are navigating these changes, you might have questions about whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a viable option for you. Understanding the signs and symptoms that HRT can address is a helpful first step in managing your health during this new chapter.

The “Heat” Is On

One of the most well-known indicators of menopause is episodes of the sudden sensation of heat. The symptoms, which can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily routine, include hot flashes and night sweats.

When these incidents happen at night, they can disrupt your sleep. You may find yourself waking up drenched in sweat and unable to fall back asleep. A growing sleep debt can affect your mood and energy levels throughout the day.

If you are facing these types of challenges, learning more about sleep and hormones can be helpful.

Very Real Changes to How You Think and Feel

In addition to affecting your body temperature, hormonal changes can influence your emotional well-being and mental clarity. Many women report that they don’t feel like themselves as they progress through menopause. They may experience:

• Mood swings
• Irritability or anxiety
• Mild depression
• Brain fog
• Difficulty focusing

These symptoms are common during the menopausal transition and often closely tied to the decline in estrogen and progesterone levels. It’s also important to keep in mind that many women share these experiences. Low estrogen can present with many of the same symptoms.

Physical and Intimate Changes

The decrease in estrogen that occurs during menopause can lead to noticeable changes in various parts of the body. These symptoms, which can range from mildly annoying to painful, include:

• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during intercourse
• Low libido
• Urinary incontinence
• Dry skin or eyes
• Thinning hair

Vaginal discomfort and urinary issues are particularly common reasons women seek help. The thinning of vaginal tissues can make intimacy uncomfortable. Topical or systemic hormone therapies may be recommended when dryness and irritation persist for conditions such as vulvovaginal atrophy.

These changes also contribute to more frequent urinary tract infections and may overlap with other conditions, so it’s important to get evaluated by a provider.

The Silent Risks: Bone and Heart Health

Beyond the more obvious symptoms, menopause comes with other risks. Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone density and heart health. When levels decline, the risk for issues such as bone density loss and fractures increases.

A Note on Other Uses for Hormone Replacement Therapy

While this article focuses on menopausal relief, hormone replacement therapy is also used in other medical contexts. For example, it may be part of treatments tailored for low hormone states in both women and men.

HRT: Is It Right for You?

Every treatment, including hormone replacement therapy, has potential risks. Deciding whether HRT is appropriate for you involves assessing the pros and cons. Your age, family history, and personal health profile all play a role in determining the best path forward. If your symptoms are affecting your daily life, discussing them with your primary care provider can help you understand your options, including hormone therapy.

If the signs mentioned above are affecting your daily life, schedule a conversation with your Baptist Health endocrinology provider to determine if HRT may be appropriate for you. If you don't have one, you can find a Baptist Health endocrinology provider in our provider directory. You can also call 1.888.257.1442 or register for an endocrinology class or event.