During and after menopause, many women opt for hormone therapy to replace hormones the body no longer produces on its own. The trained physicians at Capital Women’s Care offer hormone therapy to patients throughout the Frederick, Mount Airy & Urbana, Maryland area. Make an appointment today to learn more about this treatment.
During menopause, the body stops producing as much estrogen as it did during the woman’s childbearing years. When levels of hormones decrease, many women experience uncomfortable symptoms, including hot flashes, thinning hair, mood changes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Hormone therapy is a type of therapy designed to replace lost estrogen, which may alleviate some of the symptoms associated with menopause.
Several different types of hormone therapy are available, including:
Hormone therapy often reduces the uncomfortable side effects women experience during and after menopause. It may also reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Recent studies have shown that hormone therapy may pose some health risks, especially when used for extended periods of time. Some of the potential drawbacks of hormone therapy include a greater risk of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, and heart disease.
The exact risks hormone therapy poses to each patient depends on the patient’s current age, the patient’s age at menopause, the type of therapy, and the dose.
Hormone therapy comes with advantages and disadvantages. In general, it may be appropriate for women who have lost bone mass due to menopause, as well as those experiencing menopausal symptoms that significantly reduce their quality of life. Hormone therapy may also be beneficial to women who went through menopause prior to the age of 40.
Because of the risks associated with hormone therapy, careful consideration is necessary before beginning this treatment. The experienced doctors at Capital Women's Care help each patient determine whether this treatment is appropriate for her.
We participate with most local and many national insurance plans. However it is your responsibility to understand whether your insurance has limits on the doctors you can see, or the services you can receive. If you provide complete and accurate information about your insurance, we will submit claims to your insurance carrier and receive payments for services. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be responsible for co-payments, co-insurance, or other deductible amounts. Not all providers participate with all insurance plans. We do not accept Medicaid. Don't hesitate to call if you have questions.