What is bioidentical hormone therapy?
As the ovaries make less estrogen and progesterone around menopause, many women develop symptoms that affect sleep, comfort and quality of life. Hormone therapy replaces some of those hormones. Bioidentical hormones are available both as FDA-approved products (pills, patches, gels and vaginal forms) and as custom-compounded preparations, which are not FDA-approved. Your provider will explain the differences.
What symptoms can it help?
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
- Vaginal dryness and pain during sex
- Mood changes related to menopause
- Bone loss (in selected patients)
Who is a candidate?
Hormone therapy is generally considered for healthy women with bothersome symptoms who are within about ten years of menopause or under age 60. It may not be appropriate if you have a history of certain cancers, blood clots, stroke, heart disease or liver disease. Your provider will review your personal and family history before recommending treatment.
How does treatment work?
Your provider will discuss your symptoms and goals, review your history, and recommend a type, dose and form of hormone. Women who still have a uterus usually need progesterone along with estrogen to protect the uterine lining. Follow-up visits check how well the treatment works and whether the dose should change.
What are the risks?
Depending on your age, health and the type of therapy, hormone therapy can raise the risk of blood clots, stroke, gallbladder disease and some cancers. The goal is the lowest dose that controls your symptoms, reviewed regularly. Call the office if you have unexpected vaginal bleeding while on hormone therapy.
Schedule a consultation in Fort Lauderdale
To make an appointment with Women’s Surgical Specialists, call (954) 771-8888, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:30 pm. Our office is at 2800 East Commercial Blvd, Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, and we accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.
This page is general information, not medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 911.