Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women Over 50: Menopause Treatment Options

Jul 17, 2025 | DPC Direct Primary Care | 0 comments

Navigating Menopause with Expert Care

If you’re a woman over 50 experiencing the challenging symptoms of menopause, you’re not alone in this journey. Hot flashes that disrupt important moments, night sweats that steal your sleep, and mood changes that make you feel like a stranger in your own body are all common symptoms of menopause that millions of women face. But here’s what many healthcare providers won’t tell you: you don’t have to accept declining quality of life as inevitable.

At AZ Health Solutions in Merritt Island, FL, we understand that menopause isn’t just a biological transition – it’s a pivotal time when you deserve compassionate, expert care. Dr. Ashley Zawodniak, a board-certified internal medicine physician and hormone therapy specialist, helps women throughout Brevard County navigate this transition with confidence through personalized hormone replacement therapy and comprehensive menopause treatment options.

The Hidden Challenges Women Face

The Physical Symptoms Disrupting Your Life

Menopause brings a cascade of symptoms of menopause that can dramatically impact your daily routine. These menopausal symptoms often include:

Hot flashes that strike without warning during important moments
Night sweats that leave you exhausted and dreading bedtime
Vaginal dryness that makes intimacy uncomfortable or painful
Unexplained weight gain despite maintaining the same diet and exercise routine
Joint pain and stiffness that makes simple activities feel difficult
Thinning hair and dry skin that affects your confidence
Sleep disturbances that leave you feeling foggy and irritable

The Emotional Toll of Hormonal Changes

Beyond the physical common symptoms of menopause, this transition creates internal struggles that many women suffer in silence:

Feeling like you’re “not yourself” anymore
Anxiety about unpredictable mood swings affecting your relationships
Loss of confidence in professional and personal settings
Frustration when healthcare providers dismiss your concerns
Fear about long-term health consequences like bone loss and heart disease

Why You Deserve Better Treatment Options

At a deeper level, the dismissive attitude toward menopausal symptoms challenges your fundamental right to quality healthcare. You shouldn’t have to accept that feeling vibrant, energetic, and confident is only for younger women. Every woman deserves to feel her best at every age, and that’s exactly what modern hormone replacement therapy can help you achieve.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy? Understanding Your Treatment Options

Hormone Replacement Therapy Basics

Hormone replacement therapy, also called hormone therapy or HRT, is a medical treatment designed to replace the hormones your body stops producing during menopause. As women approach menopause, typically around age 50, estrogen and progesterone levels decline significantly, leading to the uncomfortable symptoms many women experience.

Hormone therapy for menopause symptoms works by supplementing your body with hormones to restore balance and alleviate the challenging aspects of this natural transition. When you take hormone replacement therapy, you’re essentially giving your body the hormonal support it needs to function optimally during and after menopause.

Types of HRT: Understanding Your Options

Estrogen Therapy:
Estrogen therapy is often prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy and no longer have a uterus. When you take estrogen alone, it can effectively treat symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, if you still have your uterus, taking estrogen alone can increase the risk of uterine cancer.

Combined HRT:
Combined HRT includes both estrogen and progesterone and is typically recommended for women who still have a uterus. The progesterone component helps protect against uterine cancer that can occur when you take estrogen without progesterone. This combination therapy is often called estrogen and progesterone therapy.

Bioidentical Hormones:
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones your body produces naturally. Many women choose bioidentical hormone therapy because these hormones may be better tolerated and cause fewer side effects than synthetic alternatives.

Benefits and Risks of Hormone Therapy: Making an Informed Decision

Benefits of Hormone Therapy for Menopausal Women

When the benefits outweigh the risks, hormone therapy can provide significant relief and long-term health advantages:

Immediate Symptom Relief:

Elimination of hot flashes and night sweats
Improved sleep quality and duration
Relief from vaginal dryness and discomfort
Stabilized mood and reduced anxiety
Increased energy and mental clarity
Better skin elasticity and hair health

Long-Term Health Benefits:

Prevention of bone loss and reduced fracture risk
Potential cardiovascular protection when started early in menopause
Possible cognitive benefits and memory protection
Improved quality of life and overall wellness

Understanding the Risks of HRT

It’s important to understand both the benefits and risks of hormone therapy. The risks of taking HRT may include:

Potential Health Risks:

Slightly increased risk of breast cancer with long-term use
Small increased risk of blood clots, particularly with oral estrogen
Potential increase in stroke risk, especially in older women
Possible increased risk of heart disease if started years after menopause

Risk Factors to Consider:
Your medical history plays a crucial role in determining whether the benefits and risks of hormone therapy are appropriate for you. Women with a personal history of breast cancer, blood clots, or certain cardiovascular conditions may be advised not to take HRT.

When the Benefits Outweigh the Risks

For many women, especially those who start hormone therapy within 10 years of menopause or before age 60, the benefits of hormone therapy often outweigh the potential risks. The key is working with an experienced physician who can help you understand your individual risk profile and make sure the benefits still outweigh the risks for your specific situation.

Who Should Consider Hormone Therapy? Understanding Candidacy

Ideal Candidates for Hormone Replacement Therapy

You may be an excellent candidate to take hormone therapy if you:

Are experiencing moderate to severe menopausal symptoms
Are within 10 years of menopause or under age 60
Have no personal history of breast cancer or blood clots
Want to protect against bone loss and osteoporosis
Are seeking improved quality of life during menopause
Have realistic expectations about treatment outcomes

When HRT May Not Be Recommended

HRT is not recommended for women with certain health conditions. You may be advised not to take HRT if you have:

Personal history of breast cancer or uterine cancer
Active liver disease or liver problems
History of blood clots or stroke
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Certain cardiovascular conditions
High risk factors that make the risks outweigh the benefits

Special Considerations for Women Over 50

For women over 50, the decision to start hormone therapy requires careful consideration of several factors:

Timing Matters:
Starting HRT within 10 years of menopause is generally considered safer than beginning treatment many years later. If you’re age 60 or within 10 years of your last menstrual period, you may be a good candidate for hormone therapy.

Individual Risk Assessment:
Your health history, family history, and current health status all factor into whether hormone therapy may be right for you. A thorough evaluation helps ensure that the benefits and risks of taking hormone therapy are carefully weighed for your specific situation.

Hormone Therapy Delivery Methods: Finding What Works for You

Systemic Therapy Options

Hormone Pellet Therapy (EvexiPEL Method):

Small pellets inserted under the skin every 3-4 months
Provides consistent hormone levels 24/7
No daily applications to remember
Ideal for busy women seeking convenience
Steady release without peaks and valleys

Oral Medications:
When you take hormone therapy in pill form, it’s convenient and allows for easy dose adjustments. However, oral estrogen may carry a slightly higher risk of blood clots compared to other delivery methods.

Transdermal Estrogen (Patches, Gels, and Creams):
Transdermal estrogen delivery through the skin may be safer than oral forms for some women. These options include:

Daily application allows for dose adjustments
Non-invasive treatment option
Can be customized for specific hormone combinations
May have lower risk of blood clots than oral estrogen

Localized Treatment Options

Vaginal Applications:
For women primarily dealing with vaginal dryness and discomfort, localized hormone therapy can be highly effective:

Targeted treatment for vaginal symptoms
Localized hormone delivery with minimal systemic absorption
Can be used alone or with systemic therapy
Improves intimate comfort and quality of life

Dr. Zawodniak’s Approach: Expert Menopause Care in Merritt Island

Why Choose AZ Health Solutions for Hormone Therapy

Dr. Ashley Zawodniak brings unique expertise to women’s hormone health with her dual background as both a registered nurse and board-certified internal medicine physician. This combination provides exceptional insight into patient care and the importance of truly listening to women’s health concerns.

Advanced Credentials and Training:

Board Certified in Internal Medicine
Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP)
EvexiPEL Certified Provider for hormone pellet therapy
Specialized training in bioidentical hormone optimization
Continuous education in the latest hormone therapy research

Patient-Centered Philosophy:
Having experienced the limitations of traditional healthcare, Dr. Zawodniak created AZ Health Solutions to practice medicine differently. Here, you receive the time and attention you deserve for comprehensive menopause treatment.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Menopause Treatment

Direct Primary Care Advantage:
Through our Direct Primary Care membership, your hormone therapy is integrated with your overall health management, providing:

Extended appointments (60-minute initial consultations)
Direct access to Dr. Zawodniak via phone, text, or email
Same-day appointments for urgent concerns
Coordinated care for all health issues
No insurance hassles or delays

Evidence-Based Excellence:
We stay current with the latest research on hormone therapy, including:

Advanced testing protocols beyond basic panels
Cutting-edge treatment options and delivery methods
Ongoing medical education and training
Collaboration with certified menopause specialists when needed

Serving Brevard County with Compassionate Care

Located in Merritt Island, we proudly serve women throughout Brevard County, including Melbourne, Cocoa, Rockledge, Viera, Titusville, and surrounding communities. Our central location makes it convenient for women across the Space Coast to access expert hormone care.

Getting Started with HRT: Your Step-by-Step Plan

Step 1: Schedule Your Comprehensive Consultation

Your journey to start hormone therapy begins with an in-depth consultation where Dr. Zawodniak:

Listens to your complete health story and symptoms
Reviews your medical history and current medications
Discusses your health goals and lifestyle factors
Explains treatment options and answers all questions
Determines if you’re a good candidate for HRT

What to Bring:

List of current medications and supplements
Recent lab results if available
Medical history including surgeries and family history
List of symptoms and their impact on your life

Step 2: Comprehensive Hormone Testing

We order advanced hormone panels that evaluate:

Estradiol (the most active form of estrogen)
Progesterone (balances estrogen effects)
Testosterone (important for energy and libido)
Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4)
Cortisol (stress hormone)
Additional markers as needed based on symptoms

Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan Development

Based on your test results and symptoms, Dr. Zawodniak creates a customized treatment plan that includes:

Specific hormone types and dosages
Optimal delivery method selection
Timeline for expected improvements
Lifestyle recommendations to enhance results
Follow-up schedule for monitoring

Step 4: Treatment Implementation and Education

We provide comprehensive education about your hormone therapy, including:

How to use your prescribed hormones correctly
What to expect during the adjustment period
When to contact us with questions or concerns
How to track your symptoms and progress
Potential side effects and how to manage them

Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring and Optimization

Your care continues with regular follow-ups to:

Monitor hormone levels and symptom improvement
Adjust dosages as needed for optimal results
Address any concerns or side effects
Ensure you’re achieving your health goals
Celebrate your progress and successes

Alternatives to HRT: When Hormone Therapy Isn’t Right

When to Consider Alternatives to HRT

While hormone therapy can be highly effective, it’s not right for every woman. You might consider alternatives to HRT if:

You have a personal history of breast cancer
You’ve experienced blood clots or stroke
You have active liver disease
You prefer non-hormonal approaches
The risks outweigh the benefits in your specific case

Non-Hormonal Treatment Options

Lifestyle Modifications:

Regular exercise to help manage weight and mood
Stress management techniques like meditation or yoga
Dietary changes to support hormone balance
Sleep hygiene improvements
Smoking cessation and limited alcohol consumption

Non-Hormonal Medications:

Certain antidepressants that can help with hot flashes
Blood pressure medications that may reduce hot flashes
Medications specifically approved for treating hot flashes

Complementary Approaches:

Acupuncture for symptom management
Herbal supplements (though evidence is limited)
Cognitive behavioral therapy for mood symptoms
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Working with Your Healthcare Provider

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about all your options. Whether you choose hormone therapy or alternatives to HRT, having a comprehensive discussion about the benefits and risks of each approach helps ensure you make the best decision for your individual situation.

Making an Informed Decision: Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Preparing for Your Consultation

Before you start hormone therapy, it’s essential to have a thorough discussion with a qualified healthcare provider. Come prepared to discuss:

Your complete medical history
Family history of breast cancer, heart disease, and blood clots
Current symptoms and how they impact your quality of life
Your health goals and expectations
Any concerns about the benefits and risks of hormone therapy

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

When considering hormone therapy, make sure to ask:

Am I a good candidate for hormone therapy?
What type of hrt would be best for my situation?
How do we make sure the benefits outweigh the risks in my case?
What are the specific risks of taking hrt given my health history?
How will we monitor my progress and adjust treatment?
What alternatives to hrt should I consider?

Understanding Your Individual Risk Profile

Your healthcare provider should help you understand how factors like your age, health history, and family history affect whether hormone therapy may be appropriate for you. If you’re age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, you may be in the optimal window for starting HRT with the best benefit-to-risk ratio.

Take the First Step Toward Feeling Like Yourself Again

You don’t have to accept hot flashes, mood swings, sleepless nights, and diminished vitality as your new normal. Menopause is a natural transition, but suffering through it isn’t necessary. With the right hormone replacement therapy and expert guidance, you can navigate this phase of life with confidence, energy, and joy.

At AZ Health Solutions, we’re committed to helping women over 50 reclaim their vitality through personalized, evidence-based hormone optimization. Dr. Zawodniak’s unique combination of medical expertise and genuine compassion ensures you receive the comprehensive care you deserve.

Ready to start your journey to hormonal balance?