Who can get hormone therapy?

If you are struggling with hot flashes, talk to your doctor or nurse. They can tell you if hormone therapy is an option for you.

What is hormone therapy?

This is a way to treat menopause symptoms. The main goal is to reduce hot flashes. But it might also help with other symptoms.

• Estrogen – The main estrogen used for this is called "estradiol."
• Progesterone – Most people who take estrogen also need to take progesterone or a progesterone-like hormone called a "progestin." This is to prevent changes in the uterus that can lead to cancer over time. People who have had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus) do not need to take progesterone or a progestin.
• Your hormone levels are closely monitored with regular blood tests in our treatment plans to ensure maximum safety and reduced risk during your treatment.

What are the risks of hormone therapy?

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Breast Cancer

However, these risks are very low in people younger than age 60. For most people in their 40s and 50s, the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks. Your doctor can talk to you about your risks based on your age and health.

How do I take hormone therapy?

• Pills – Different types and doses of estrogen come in pills. You take 1 pill a day.
• Skin patch – Some patches are changed twice a week. Others are changed weekly.
• Gel, lotion, or spray – These are applied to the skin daily. Some go on the leg, and others go on the arm.
• Vaginal ring – This is a flexible ring you put in your vagina. It stays in for 3 months, then you remove it and put in a new one.

Your doctor can talk to you about your options. They will also work with you to find the form and dose that work best to treat your symptoms. The right choice depends on your age, health, and preferences.

Does hormone therapy cause side effects?

Some people have no side effects, but others do. Estrogen can cause breast soreness. Progestin pills can cause bloating, mood changes, or vaginal bleeding.

Sometimes, lowering the dose or changing the form you take can help with side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that bother you.

How long can I take hormone therapy?

It depends. In the past, experts recommended only using hormone therapy for 3 to 5 years, and stopping at age 60. But for many people, hot flashes last longer than this.

Your doctor can talk to you about your situation and your options. If you both agree that the benefits are greater than the risks, you might be able to continue hormone therapy beyond 5 years or age 60. If so, you will probably use the lowest dose of estrogen possible.

When you do stop taking hormone therapy, your doctor might suggest gradually reducing your dose. Sometimes, stopping can cause hot flashes to return.

Can hormones help with other symptoms besides hot flashes?

• If you have problems with vaginal dryness but not other symptoms, your doctor might prescribe vaginal estrogen only. This comes in lower doses than the estrogen used to treat hot flashes, and can be used without a progestin. It comes as a cream, tablet, or ring that goes into the vagina.
• If you already take hormone therapy for hot flashes, but still have problems with vaginal dryness, your doctor might suggest adding vaginal estrogen.

• 1. Balance Hormones Naturally
  • Phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens) can help balance declining estrogen levels. Include:
    • Soy products Soy products (tofu, tempeh, miso, edamame)
    • Flaxseeds & chia seeds
    • Lentils & chickpeas
    • Pumpkin & sesame seeds
• 2. Strengthen Bones & Prevent Osteoporosis
  • Calcium-rich foods to maintain bone strength:
    • Dairy & non-dairy alternatives (Greek yogurt, cheese, almond milk, sardines with bones)
    • Leafy greens (kale, bok choy, broccoli)
    • Almonds & tahini
  • Vitamin D sources for better calcium absorption:
    • Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
    • Egg yolks
    • Mushrooms exposed to sunlight
• 3. Reduce Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
  • Avoid trigger foods that can worsen symptoms:
    • Caffeine & alcohol
    • Spicy foods
    • Processed & sugary foods
  • Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich drinks to support temperature regulation.

• 4. Boost Energy & Metabolism
  • Protein-rich foods to support muscle mass and metabolism:
    • Lean meats (chicken, turkey, grass-fed beef)
    • Eggs & dairy
    • Plant proteins (quinoa, lentils, beans)
  • Healthy fats to support brain health and hormone production:
    • Avocados & nuts
    • Olive oil & coconut oil
    • Fatty fish & flaxseeds
• 5. Support Gut & Heart Health
  • Fiber-rich foods to prevent bloating, constipation, and cholesterol spikes:
    • Whole grains (quinoa, oats, brown rice)
    • Fruits & vegetables (berries, apples, leafy greens)
    • Legumes & nuts
• 6. Maintain a Youthful Glow
  • Antioxidant-rich foods to combat aging and support skin elasticity:
    • Berries & citrus fruits
    • Dark chocolate (80% cacao and above)
    • Green tea & turmeric
• 7. Lifestyle Tips for Optimal Nutrition
  • ✅ Eat mindfully – Focus on nutrient-dense foods and avoid emotional eating.
  • ✅ Stay hydrated – Aim for 2-3L of water daily to support metabolism and skin hydration.
  • ✅ Limit processed foods – Minimize refined carbs, trans fats, and artificial additives.
  • ✅ Exercise regularly – Strength training and weight-bearing activities improve bone health and metabolism.

By following these dietary guidelines, you can enhance energy, maintain youthfulness, and transition through menopause with confidence and vitality. 🌸✨

Our Nutritional Expert Sara Alhamli is available for those who wish to improve their diet. We offer a monthly subscription service where Sara will be available to provide your with dietary advice and provide day to day diet plan with recipes to help you achieve your goals.