Finding relief for menopause symptoms through hormone replacement therapy

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Millions of women go through menopause and perimenopause, yet many don’t fully know the symptoms or the treatment options out there.

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Tam Tran, a nurse practitioner from the Center for Regenerative Health, joined HNN’s Sunrise to talk about hormone replacement therapy and ways to promote healthy aging.

Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause and can start as early as the early 40s, or even the late 30s for some. Tran said common symptoms include weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats, and a decreased libido.

“Many women don’t realize these symptoms may be hormone-related because they can develop gradually over several years. Many women think they’re just stressed or aging, when in reality they may be experiencing hormonal changes associated with perimenopause,” Tran said.

Tran said many women deal with the changes as a natural part of life or a normal part of aging, but there are things you can do to address hormone changes and ease your symptoms.

As you reach menopause, levels of your hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, begin to decline.

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“That’s what keeps you vital, keeps you energetic. And we’re trying to get you back to those levels in your youth, so you feel that vitality again.” Tran said.

Tran recommends bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to restore hormone levels to the youthful range you had before menopause, using hormones that are chemically and structurally identical to those naturally produced by the human body.

While hormone therapy can have its benefits, there are also drawbacks like blood clots, DVTs, heart attacks, and strokes if you use synthetic hormones. Check with your doctor before starting any therapy, as Tran said each patient is different with varying risk factors.

The Center for Regenerative Health has clinics in Lihue on Kauai, Honolulu on Oahu, Wailuku in Maui, and Waimea or Hilo on the Big Island.

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For more information, visit the Center for Regenerative Health.