If you're a woman in middle age, you may be preparing yourself for menopause. Are you experiencing some of the side effects of menopause already? You may want to consider hormone therapy in North Richland Hills, TX, with Dr. Rhodesia N. LaStrap.

What Is Menopause?

 Menopause refers to that time in a woman's life when her period comes to a stop. You are officially in menopause if you haven't had a period in a year. According to the CDC, the average age for menopause in an American woman is 52. As a result, it means that a woman can no longer get pregnant. During this time, a woman's body can go through several intense changes that can cause her great discomfort. Some changes may include hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, and fatigue. A woman's body is going through those changes due to the loss of estrogen. However, when you visit Dr. LaStrap, she can help you with hormonal treatment if your menopause symptoms are too much to take.

How Does This Therapy Work?

 When you start hormone therapy in North Richland Hills, TX, the first step is a consultation with Dr. LaStrap. She will ask you about your symptoms to get an idea of how long you've been dealing with menopause. She will work with you to find the right treatment for your situation.

Your hormone treatment may include low-dose vaginal products or systemic hormone therapy. If your menopause symptoms are severe, systemic hormone therapy may be the best option for you as it gives you higher doses of estrogen. The doctor may give it to you by spray, gel, cream, skin patch, or pill.

If your symptoms are lighter, then lower-dose products that come in a tablet, ring, or cream may be right for you. This treatment isn't used for comprehensive care, as it mostly treats the urinary or vaginal symptoms you may have when dealing with menopause. Vaginal symptoms may include dryness, painful sex that may result in bleeding, itching and burning, discharge, as well as urine incontinence or urgency.

Menopause may be a difficult time for some women. Between the hot flashes, vaginal problems, mood swings, one or more of these symptoms at the same time can make your day-to-day life uncomfortable. Luckily, help is available so you can manage this time of life successfully. If you're going through any of these problems, don't hesitate to visit Dr. LaStrap for managed hormone therapy in North Richland Hills, TX. Call the office at 817-590-2229 for a consultation.