Hormone Replacement Specialist

Tassone Gynecology Shawn Tassone, MD, PhD Our Services Hormone Replacement

Tassone Gynecology

Shawn Tassone, MD, PhD

Gynecologist located in Round Rock, TX

Suffering from hot flashes is something that every woman dreads as menopause approaches. As an OB/GYN, Dr. Shawn Tassone of Tassone Gynecology in Austin, Texas, has specialized training in hormone replacement therapy. His caring staff is available to help you with your hormone replacement needs, so you can live without the uncomfortable side effects of menopause.

Hormone Replacement Q & A

Why do I need hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

As you get closer to menopause, or if you’ve already reached that point, your estrogen level plummets. This can cause you to experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness, brittle bones, and weight fluctuations. Hormone replacement therapy replenishes hormones in your body — particularly estrogen and progesterone — that your body stops making. For most women, stabilizing your hormones minimizes your menopausal symptoms, or gets rid of them all together.

How do I know if I need progesterone?

You should only need to take progesterone if you still have your uterus. When you have a monthly period, the progesterone thickens your uterine lining and builds up. Your uterine lining simply sheds away when your body doesn’t need it, during your period. But when your period stops with menopause, all of that progesterone just builds up. This can be dangerous and elevate your risk of cancer.

Which estrogen formularies are available?

You don’t necessarily have to take a daily pill to get the estrogen you need. Estrogen comes in many different formularies, including:

  • Vaginal creams
  • Vaginal suppositories
  • Skin patches
  • Topical gels and sprays
  • Vaginal rings

Is hormone replacement therapy safe?

Yes. You may have heard about dangerous side effects, such as an increased risk of osteoporosis or blood clots, from hormone replacements. But usually this is an issue only if you’re not being carefully monitored. Despite any risks, hormone replacement therapy is the best treatment for unpleasant symptoms of menopause. In general, benefits of hormone replacement therapy typically outweigh any risks if you:

  • Are experiencing frequent hot flashes
  • Have already lost bone mass
  • Went through premature menopause before age 40
  • Lost ovarian function before age 40

Having an integrative medicine practitioner such as Dr. Tassone is so beneficial. He can carefully monitor your hormone levels by checking your blood, then make adjustments in your hormone treatment if needed. In addition, he can pair you with supplements, such as vitamin D and calcium, that can help combat issues related to weak bones, which is a side effect of hormone replacement. Having a doctor who monitors everything that’s going on in your body while you’re receiving hormone replacements, is essential for your overall well-being.