If you are looking for more information about menopause and hormone replacement therapy, you've come to the right place! We've got inside information on the latest developments on hormone replacement therapy.

Before we can discuss hormone replacement therapy we first have to define what menopause is. Simply put menopause is the period in a woman's life when she stops menstruating. This happens between the ages of 45 and 50. It is also during this time that a women's estrogen levels drop significantly. Menopause is often accompanied by symptoms like chills, hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, hair loss and vaginal dryness.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also referred to as hormone therapy, menopausal hormone therapy and estrogen replacement therapy is used to treat the symptoms of menopause. HRT is simply medication that contains female hormones, specifically estrogen. When you enter menopause your body stops naturally producing this hormone.

Estrogen therapy is usually given to women who have had a hysterectomy. A low dose of estrogen is administered in different forms including pills, patches, vaginal rings, gels, or spray.

Progestin/Progesterone/Estrogen Hormone Therapy also referred to as Combination Therapy, combines estrogen and progestin. Progestin is a synthetic form of progesterone. This type of therapy is normally recommended for women who still have their uterus. The estrogen and progesterone combo is believed to lower your endometrium cancer risk. Studies have also shown that hormone therapy helps prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women

If you have the following conditions, it is recommended that you steer clear of HRT: breast cancer, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, heart problems and liver disease. Stroke patients should also avoid hormone replacement therapy. If you are pregnant or suspect your are pregnant please do not even consider HRT.

Common side-effect of HRT include but are not limited to bloating, breast swelling or tenderness. Headaches, mood changes, nausea. If you experience any of the mentioned side-effects, please contact your doctor immediately.

If you are not a suitable candidate for HRT you may be able to manage menopause symptoms such as hot flashes with lifestyle changes. Some of these changes may include limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake. You may also want to consider taking up yoga as this form of exercise combines poses, breathing techniques and meditation principles to help you relax. There are also various non-hormone medications available that may help relieve hot flashes.

If you struggle with vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex, a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant may provide relief. Your doctor can also prescribe ospemifene (Osphena), which may help ease the pain so that you can thoroughly enjoy intercourse again.

In order to determine if hormone therapy is a good treatment option for you, talk to your physician about your concerns, symptoms and medical history. Do not feel embarrassed to talk to your medical practitioner about menopause and hormone replacement therapy. They possess the knowledge and experience required to identify the best treatment option for you as an individual.