Don't Let Hormone Replacement Surprise You
by Julia Gregory
If you're a woman who is entering menopause, then perhaps you're considering hormone replacement. This therapy can go a long way in relieving common symptoms, like hot flashes, mood swings, and loss of libido. For many women, it's the right choice. However, there are a few things that happen throughout the process of being prescribed replacement hormones that surprise some women. Read below, and you'll discover what those things are so that you don't have to be surprised yourself.
Your doctor will likely recommend bioidentical hormones.
As you discuss hormone replacement options with your doctor, they will likely recommend bioidentical hormones. These are the most common type used today. Some women are surprised by this recommendation; they think that the hormones they're getting are derived or extracted from others. Thankfully, this is not true. Bioidentical hormones are made in a lab, but they are identical to the hormones your body makes, which means your body will have no idea that they're a foreign substance. They're prescribed often because they're less likely to cause unwanted reactions.
You may have to experiment with your dose a little.
In a perfect world, your doctor would evaluate you and then recommend the perfect dose of hormones to meet your needs. But in reality, finding the right dose can take a little experimentation. So, don't be surprised if the initial dose you're given ends up being too high or too low. Let your doctor know how you're feeling, and they'll adjust the dose accordingly. This process is normal and should not surprise you.
You may not get results instantly.
Often, when women begin taking hormone supplements, they see some of their symptoms improve right away, but others remain. They may be surprised by this and figure that the hormones are not, in fact, the menopause cure-all they imagined they would be. However, some improvements take longer to develop. You may need to take your hormone supplements for a few weeks or even a few months before you see more systemic symptoms, like moodiness and low libido, improve significantly. If you don't feel much the first few days you take hormones, don't be alarmed.
Hormone replacement can be an excellent choice for many aging women, but it's important for you to know what to expect. Keep the information above in mind as you talk to your doctor and start taking your prescription, bioidentical hormone supplements.
For more information on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, contact a company like Southern Integrative & Environmental Medical.
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About Me
The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.