Systemic or local
Systemic therapy treats whole-body symptoms such as hot flashes. Low-dose vaginal therapy treats dryness and bladder symptoms with very little absorbed into the bloodstream.
Services
Hormone therapy for menopause
For many women, hormone therapy is the single most effective way to relieve hot flashes, night sweats and the sleep loss that comes with them. Whether it is right for you depends on your age, your timing and your history.
What the evidence says now
Hormone therapy fell out of favor in the early 2000s after early reports from the Women's Health Initiative. Later analysis showed that risk depends heavily on a woman's age, how long it has been since menopause, and the type of therapy used.
The Menopause Society's current position is that for healthy women under 60, or within ten years of menopause, who have bothersome symptoms and no reasons to avoid it, the benefits of hormone therapy generally outweigh the risks. Read the 2022 position statement.
Symptoms hormone therapy can help
Your plan, reviewed individually
Hormone therapy comes in several forms and doses. Which one fits you is part of the conversation.
Protecting the uterus
If you still have your uterus, estrogen is paired with a progestogen to protect the uterine lining. That choice is made with care, because it affects how you feel.
Your risk profile
A history of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, heart disease or liver disease changes the options. Some women are better served by non-hormonal treatment.
Monitoring over time
Follow-up visits check how you feel, look at any bleeding, and adjust the dose. The goal is the lowest dose that does the job for as long as the benefits hold.
Who may not be a candidate
Hormone therapy is usually not recommended for women with a history of breast or uterine cancer, blood clots, stroke, active liver disease or unexplained vaginal bleeding. If that is you, there are still effective ways to treat your symptoms, including non-hormonal medication and the hormone-free MonaLisa Touch.
Not sure where to start?
The menopause assessment takes about three minutes and gives you a symptom profile to bring to your first visit.
Take the assessmentAsk whether hormone therapy fits you
Book a visit at the Binz Street office, or start with an online consultation if you would rather talk first.