Women are all too familiar with the phrase “biological clock.” The age-old adage is that as a woman gets older, her biological clock begins to tick. The phrase is a way of describing the pressure a woman may feel to become pregnant or have another child before she begins to experience menopause. Menopause usually begins anywhere from age 45 to age 54. It is the process in which a woman’s body begins to prepare to shut down its reproductive capabilities.

Menopause, as well as the years before and after menopause, can be a trying period in a woman’s life. As her reproductive system undergoes numerous changes, her body struggles to keep up. She may suffer from hot flashes, irregular periods, or other irritating symptoms such as night sweats and mood swings.

Although some women sail through menopause with no major problems, many women simply wish this process were not a part of life. Fortunately, within the past few years, scientists have made developments in the field of hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, in order to help women suffering from the symptoms of menopause.

HRT involves using estrogen, progesterone (or the synthetic progestin), or a combination of both to help better regulate the woman’s body during menopause. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are naturally produced by a woman’s body and help to regulate the menstrual cycle before menopause. These replacement hormones may be administered in a variety of ways, including pills and patches.

Whether HRT is the right method of treatment for you will depend upon a variety of factors. These factors may include your age, overall health, family history, and any other history with diseases such as breast cancer or osteoporosis. If HRT seems like an appealing route to take, contact your doctor to discuss all options available to you. There are several things you will need to discuss with your doctor, so it is a good idea to make a list of questions to take beforehand, so you will not get off track during your appointment. You will need to consider the various types of therapy available and their risks, as well as their costs and benefits.