Menopause Hormone Therapy: Evidence-Based, Personalized Care
Hormone regulation is highly individualized, and changes begin well before menopause, often between ages 35 and 55. Many women experience subtle yet profound shifts in mood, energy, sleep, and metabolism long before their cycles stop. However, most physicians do not prescribe hormone therapy or even recognize the wide range of symptoms caused by perimenopause and menopause.
If a woman continues to cycle beyond age 55, the risk of breast cancer increases. The right balance of hormones is crucial—not just for symptom relief, but also for long-term health, cognitive function, bone density, and cardiovascular protection.
The Truth About Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
For decades, misinformation about hormone therapy has led to unnecessary fear. Multiple large-scale studies now show that bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) does not increase the risk of breast cancer when prescribed appropriately. In fact, some studies suggest that estriol (E3), one of the three main estrogens, may offer protective effects.
The KEEPS (Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study) and the ELITE trial (Early versus Late Intervention Trial with Estradiol) demonstrated that estradiol therapy does not increase breast cancer risk when initiated early in menopause. These studies also showed benefits for heart health, brain function, and bone density.
The WHI (Women's Health Initiative) study, which originally suggested an increased risk of breast cancer, used synthetic hormones (specifically Premarin and Progestins), not bioidentical hormones. Later analyses clarified that women using bioidentical estrogen and progesterone did not experience an increased cancer risk—in fact, some groups had a lower risk.
Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
There are well over 100 documented symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. The following are just some of the most common symptoms women experience:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
- Mood swings, anxiety, and depression
- Decreased libido
- Urinary tract problems, including incontinence
- Osteopenia and osteoporosis
- Aching joints and muscle loss
- Brain fog and memory lapses
- Insulin resistance and weight gain
- Chronic fatigue
- Hair thinning or loss
- Heart palpitations
- Digestive issues
Why Estrogen is Essential
Estrogens have over 400 functions in the body, affecting nearly every major organ system. Some of the key benefits of estrogen include:
- Regulating body temperature and reducing hot flashes
- Improving sleep quality and duration
- Maintaining memory and cognitive function
- Supporting heart health and reducing cardiovascular risk
- Enhancing insulin sensitivity and metabolic health
- Strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis
- Supporting vaginal and urinary tract health
- Boosting mood and reducing depression
- Improving skin elasticity and hydration
The three main estrogens in the body are:
- Estrone (E1) – Increases post-menopause
- Estradiol (E2) – The primary estrogen before menopause
- Estriol (E3) – Found in higher amounts post-menopause and may protect against breast cancer
The Role of Progesterone and Testosterone
Progesterone is just as essential as estrogen. It balances the effects of estrogen, supports bone health, mood regulation, sleep, and weight maintenance. However, synthetic progesterone (progestins) are not bioidentical and may increase health risks.
Testosterone is not just a male hormone. It plays a critical role in muscle mass, metabolism, cognitive function, skin health, and sexual wellness for women. Women with low testosterone often experience fatigue, weight gain, loss of strength, and decreased libido.
Individualized Hormone Therapy: Finding the Right Balance
Not all hormone therapies are the same. Traditional medicine often relies on synthetic hormones, prescribed only for a short period, despite the evidence supporting long-term, individualized hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
At Howard Health & Wellness, Dr. Howard provides personalized hormone therapy based on your unique needs. This includes:
- Comprehensive hormone testing – Blood, saliva, or urine analysis to assess estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other key markers.
- Thorough medical history & risk assessment – Ensuring the safest and most effective treatment plan.
- Customized hormone delivery methods, including:
- Topical creams – Applied to the skin for steady absorption
- Capsules – Typically for progesterone therapy
- Patches – A convenient option for estradiol delivery
- Pellet therapy – A long-lasting method providing consistent hormone levels
Ongoing Monitoring and Optimization
Hormone therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Howard carefully monitors your progress, adjusting dosages every three months to ensure optimal results. He also strongly recommends staying up to date with gynecologic exams and mammograms as part of a comprehensive wellness plan.
No one should suffer unnecessarily from the symptoms of hormone decline. With the right medical guidance, you can regain balance, restore vitality, and feel like yourself again.
Schedule Your Evaluation Today
Take the first step toward optimizing your health. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Howard to determine if bioidentical hormone therapy is right for you.
