1. icon-arrow-left
    Women's Health
Women's Health · article

Understanding menopause and hormone replacement therapy

A woman discusses HRT with her doctor.

For most women, the start of menopause is usually accompanied by some bothersome side effects. Hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain—to name a few—often show up when menstrual cycles end and hormones reset. And this can linger for years.

So how can women alleviate the symptoms of menopause? Suzette Johnson, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Atlantic Health, has been counseling women on this subject for more than 25 years. For many of her patients, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has brought some much-needed relief.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

Women typically go through menopause in their 50s, when their body’s estrogen and progesterone levels start to decline. Using medications containing estrogen and progesterone, doctors can boost your hormone levels and ease a host of menopausal symptoms—from achy joints to brain fog to anxiety.

Prescriptions come in the form of patches, gels, or sprays. Dosages are customized based on your overall health, medical history, and the severity of your symptoms.

“Most organs in our body need estrogen and many of these medications are bioidentical, which means they are just like what we make in our own bodies,” says Dr. Johnson.

What are the benefits of HRT?

  • Limits severe menopausal symptoms
  • Prevents bone loss (osteoporosis)
  • Reduces hot flashes and night sweats
  • Improves mood and mental health
  • Enhances sleep quality
  • Maintains vaginal and sexual health

Are there side effects?

Although there can be some initial side effects such as headache, nausea, bloating, and mood changes, these issues typically diminish as the body adjusts to the medication.

“Women should not stay on these medications long-term, but the benefits certainly outweigh the risks in the short-term,” says Dr. Johnson. “To reduce risk of blood clots, breast cancer, heart disease, or stroke, it’s important to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time.”

What else can alleviate menopausal symptoms?

For women who are not candidates for hormone replacement therapy, there are some nonhormonal options to consider.

Start with a lifestyle that prioritizes physical activity, fresh air, a balanced diet, managing stress, and developing good sleep patterns. Natural remedies and herbal supplements can also provide some relief. And you may want to talk with your doctor about certain antidepressants that effectively treat hot flashes and mood swings.

Making the decision

Deciding whether to use HRT is a highly personal choice. The best time to start is under the age of 60 or within 10 years of your final period. Dr. Johnson explains that if you’ve gone through 12 months without a period, menopause is officially over – but symptoms may not be.

“Some women come in knowing they want HRT and others come in to learn about it,” says Dr. Johnson. “Either way, we know that hormone replacement therapy is a highly effective solution for managing menopausal symptoms and improving the quality of life for many women.”

Find a Gynecologist
Published: March 03, 2025

Related articles

Women's HealthUnderstanding menopause and hormone replacement therapyWhen menopause hits and hormone levels change, it can have some debilitating effects on a woman’s brain and body. An Atlantic Health gynecologist explains how hormone replacement therapy can help.
Women's HealthWhy is heart disease still the #1 killer of women?Learn the facts about heart disease in women, signs and symptoms to look out for, and how you can lower your risk with tips from an Atlantic Health cardiologist.
Women's HealthWhat do heart attacks look like in women?Heart attacks look different in women than in men. Learn to spot the signs, symptoms and risk factors with tips from an Atlantic Health cardiologist.
Women's HealthIs it the baby blues or something more serious?Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are common, emerging during and/or in the first year after pregnancy. Learn the signs and how to get help.
Women's HealthCervical health check: how to lower your cervical cancer riskCervical cancer is the 3rd most common gynecological cancer. Learn about risk factors and how to prevent this cancer with tips from Atlantic Health System.
Patient StoriesHeart experts help nurse beat preeclampsiaWhen preeclampsia struck nurse Jennifer Tavares, heart experts at Atlantic Health System helped her manage the condition and safely deliver her baby.
COVID-19Delayed screening, devastating diagnosis: How COVID-19 cancellations impacted one woman’s health Karen, like millions of other women, kept postponing her annual mammogram. When she finally made it in for her screening, the results came with a breast cancer diagnosis. Now a cancer survivor, Karen has a message for women—don’t delay. Stay on top of your annual breast screening.
Women's Health8 Truths About Midwives and Pregnancy If you’re expecting a baby and have thought about working with a midwife, here are some common misperceptions that just might surprise you. Certified nurse midwives can give you an intimate experience throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery, and even postpartum care.
Healthy Living7 Ways to Ease Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) When winter weather turns cold and dark, it’s natural to become withdrawn and isolated. But if these behaviors negatively disrupt your life, it could be tied to a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Mental WellnessFive hidden signs of substance abuseIf you think someone you care about is overusing drugs or alcohol, pay attention to these five warning signs. Addictive behaviors endanger the user and the people around them. Knowing what to look for is the first step to getting the help they need.
Breast HealthMammograms and early detectionA breast medical oncologist at Atlantic Health explains the importance of breast screening and how it truly saves lives.
Women's HealthHigh-risk breast cancer assessment: know your risk levelWe're helping patients understand their risk for breast cancer and providing comprehensive services for those at high risk.