Lesser-Known Benefits of Hormone Replacement for Women
Many women who decide to pursue hormone replacement therapy in menopause do so as a way of managing symptoms like hot flashes and cold sweats. Indeed, taking estrogen and progesterone supplements can go a long way towards reducing or even doing away with these symptoms completely. However, there are some lesser-known benefits of hormone replacements that you should be aware of as you decide whether to take hormones yourself.
Reduced Risk of Dementia
Although changes in hormone levels do not directly cause dementia, they are thought to contribute to it. Taking hormone replacement supplements could reduce your risk of developing dementia as you grow older. If you do develop dementia, you may not have as serious of a case if you're taking hormone replacement medications. If you have a family history of dementia, this is something to strongly consider.
Better Sleep
The problems that women experience with sleep during and after menopause do not always get enough attention. Night sweats definitely contribute to this, but hormonal changes can also directly impact your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. A lack of sleep can leave you feeling moody, and it can interfere with your performance at work and in your social life. Taking hormone replacement supplements may help you continue to get better sleep, which may help you avoid turning to sleep medications, which sometimes have unwanted side effects.
Better Sex
Menopause can make sex painful due to vaginal dryness, and it can also decrease your libido. Women who opt for hormone replacement tend to have better sex, all around. This can help keep your relationship alive and healthy, and it's good for your mental health, in general.
Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a major concern in a lot of older women. The bones lose calcium and become brittle, which means they are more likely to fracture. Falling estrogen levels contribute to this. If you take hormone replacement supplements, your risk of osteoporosis will decrease. You may not need to take other osteoporosis medications, and you'll have a lower risk of fractures as you age. This is really important since a fractured hip or rib can be quite serious, especially in older adults.
Hormone replacement has a lot of benefits, including some you may not have heard of before. If you are nearing menopause, make sure you have a conversation with your doctor about these benefits and how they may apply to your situation.