The Hormone Therapy Conversation: Why "Approved for Prevention" Is More Complicated Than You Think
Ever been told that hormone therapy is only for hot flashes? Or that it's too risky to even consider? As a nurse practitioner, I hear this all the time, and frankly, it's a myth that needs to be busted.
Testosterone, EDS, and POTS, Oh My?
Does Testosterone Hold a Clue to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Symptoms?
Breast Cancer in the Family? A Guide to Safe Hormone Therapy
If you have a family history of breast cancer, you might be wondering: Is HT safe for me? Let's dive into the research and clear up some confusion.
Progesterone Cream Safety: What You Need to Know for Menopause Relief
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can make menopause more manageable by addressing symptoms and protecting long-term health.
Navigating Postpartum Hormones: A Guide to Hormone Therapy
The postpartum period is a natural transition marked by a rapid decline in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, and understanding the potential role of systemic and local hormone therapy, oxytocin, and progesterone-based treatments may help support individualized care for postpartum depression and recovery.
Treatment for PMDD: A Comprehensive Guide
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe, cyclical condition driven not by abnormal hormone levels, but by an altered brain response to normal hormonal fluctuations—particularly involving serotonin and the progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone. This comprehensive guide reviews evidence-based treatments ranging from antidepressants and hormonal strategies to supplements, cognitive therapies, and mind–body approaches, emphasizing personalized, physiology-informed care.
Is Testosterone Safe In Breast Cancer Survivors?
Hormonal changes after breast cancer treatment can leave many survivors searching for safe ways to restore comfort, energy, and quality of life—yet testosterone therapy often raises understandable concerns. By looking closely at the evidence, we can better understand where testosterone may fit into survivorship care and where caution is still warranted.
Do I Need to Quit Hormone Therapy When I Turn 65?
Absolutely not! There’s no arbitrary age that automatically means stopping menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Evidence shows that continuing MHT beyond 65 can be safe and beneficial—especially when personalized to your health goals, type of therapy, and route of administration.
Menopause Is in Its Renaissance Era: Debunking Myths About Hormone Therapy
Menopause doesn’t have to be feared. Recent research shows that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) can be safe and effective even beyond age 65, with benefits ranging from relief of hot flashes to protection against heart disease and certain cancers. With individualized care and updated guidance, women can navigate this life stage with confidence and clarity.
Understanding the Role of Testosterone in Menopause Care
While estrogen and progesterone often take center stage, testosterone plays a key role in sexual desire, mood, bone health, and overall well-being during menopause. Levels naturally decline with age or after surgical menopause, potentially contributing to symptoms like low libido, fatigue, and decreased motivation. Under medical guidance, testosterone therapy may help with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and enhance overall quality of life—but it requires careful dosing, monitoring, and individualized assessment to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Menopausal Treatment Options for Migraine with Aura Sufferers
For individuals experiencing menopause alongside migraines with aura, treatment requires a careful balance. Non-hormonal options, transdermal menopausal hormone therapy, lifestyle modifications, and alternative therapies can help manage symptoms while minimizing risks. Personalized care with a knowledgeable healthcare provider is essential to ensure safety and optimize quality of life.
We're not talking enough about the fact that partial hysterectomy can cause early menopause.
Partial hysterectomy—removing the uterus but keeping the ovaries—can still trigger early menopause. Research shows ovary-sparing hysterectomy roughly doubles the risk of ovarian insufficiency, leading to hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and increased risk of osteoporosis. Monitoring your cycle, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and discussing hormone therapy with your healthcare provider can help manage symptoms and protect long-term health.
What's The Deal with Bio-Identical Hormones for Menopause?
Bio-identical hormone therapy (BHT) sounds appealing, but compounded BHT isn’t necessarily safer or more effective than FDA-approved hormone therapy. Dosing inconsistencies, lack of regulation, and insufficient data mean compounded BHT may carry unknown risks. At Phases Clinic, we prioritize evidence-based FDA-approved options to safely manage menopause symptoms while tailoring care to each patient’s needs.