Menopause care
What is menopause?
Menopause is a natural stage of life that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It occurs when the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to changes that can affect physical, emotional and overall well-being. While menopause is a normal part of aging, every woman’s experience is different. Some may notice only mild changes, while others experience symptoms that interfere with daily life.
At CHRISTUS Health, we provide personalized menopause care to help you manage symptoms, support your long-term health and feel your best through every stage of the transition.
Find relief with menopause hormone therapy
Menopause can bring changes that affect your daily life, including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption and vaginal discomfort. If these changes impact your comfort and ability to feel like yourself, menopause hormone therapy is available at CHRISTUS Health. This therapy can help relieve symptoms caused by declining hormone levels and improve quality of life during this transition.
Our providers help you understand your treatment options so you can make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
What is menopause hormone therapy?
Menopause hormone therapy, sometimes called hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is considered one of the most effective treatments for managing moderate to severe menopause symptoms. It helps replace hormones that naturally decline during menopause. Most therapies contain estrogen, and some women may also need progesterone depending on their medical history and whether they have had their uterus removed.
Hormone therapy options
Hormone therapy is available in several forms, allowing treatment to be tailored to your symptoms, preferences and health needs.
Systemic hormone therapy
Systemic therapies circulate throughout the body and are commonly used to treat menopause symptoms that affect multiple areas of daily life, such as hot flashes and night sweats.
Available options may include pills, skin patches, gels, sprays and certain vaginal rings.
Localized hormone therapy
For women experiencing primarily vaginal or urinary symptoms, localized estrogen therapies may provide relief while delivering lower levels of hormone to the bloodstream.
Options may include vaginal creams, tablets and rings.
What are the benefits?
Benefits may include:
- Fewer hot flashes and night sweats
- Better sleep
- Improved vaginal comfort and sexual wellness
- Reduced urinary symptoms
- Improved mood and daily functioning
- Protection against bone fragility
Is hormone therapy right for you?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to menopause care.
Your provider will consider factors such as:
- Your age
- How long it has been since menopause began
- Your symptoms and their severity
- Personal and family medical history
- Risk factors for heart disease, blood clots, breast cancer or stroke
- Whether you still have a uterus
Together, you'll discuss the benefits and risks of treatment so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The terms menopause hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy are often used interchangeably.
For many women, hormone therapy is a safe and effective treatment option. The decision to start therapy should be based on an individualized assessment of benefits and risks.
Hormone therapy can help relieve menopause symptoms and may also help prevent bone fragility associated with menopause.
Treatment duration varies from person to person. Your provider will work with you to determine the lowest effective dose and regularly review whether continuing treatment remains appropriate.
Hormone therapy may not be appropriate for some women with a history of breast cancer. Your provider can discuss alternative treatment options and help determine the safest approach for your situation.
Yes. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, nonhormonal medications, lifestyle changes and other therapies may help manage menopause symptoms.