Hormone Replacement Therapy in Katy, TX
Hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, vaginal dryness and mood changes can make perimenopause and menopause feel overwhelming. You do not have to simply push through them.
Hormone replacement therapy, also called menopausal hormone therapy, uses estrogen, and progesterone when needed, to relieve symptoms caused by falling hormone levels. It is the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. At our Katy office, Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy reviews your health history, benefits and risks to create a personalized plan.
Understanding Menopause and Hormone Therapy
Menopause is confirmed after 12 months without a menstrual period, and in the United States it happens at an average age of about 51. The years leading up to it, called perimenopause, often begin in a woman’s 40s and can last several years. During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall unpredictably before settling at lower levels.
These hormone changes affect far more than periods. They can disrupt sleep, body temperature, mood, concentration, vaginal and bladder health, sexual comfort and bone strength. Hormone therapy replaces some of the estrogen the ovaries no longer make, which can ease symptoms and protect bone health for many women.
Forms of hormone therapy
- Systemic estrogen: pills, skin patches, gels or sprays that treat hot flashes, night sweats and other whole-body symptoms.
- Progesterone or progestin: added for women who still have a uterus, to protect the lining of the uterus.
- Low-dose vaginal estrogen: creams, tablets or rings that treat vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and some bladder symptoms with very little absorption into the body.
- FDA-approved bioidentical hormones: such as estradiol and micronized progesterone, which are chemically identical to the hormones your body makes.
Our practice also offers hormone evaluation for men with symptoms of low testosterone. Please call our office to discuss.
Common Symptoms and Possible Causes
Menopause symptoms vary widely. Some women have very few, while others find them disruptive for years.
Symptoms women often notice
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Irregular, heavier or lighter periods during perimenopause
- Vaginal dryness, irritation or pain with intercourse
- Urinary urgency or repeated urinary tract infections
- Mood changes, irritability or anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
- Joint aches and lower sex drive
Why hormone levels change
- Natural perimenopause and menopause
- Surgical menopause after removal of both ovaries
- Early or premature menopause, before age 45 or 40
- Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or pelvic radiation that affect the ovaries
- Certain medications that lower estrogen levels
Other conditions, including thyroid disorders, anemia and depression, can cause similar symptoms. A careful evaluation makes sure the right cause is treated.
Is Hormone Therapy Right for You?
For healthy women under 60, or within about 10 years of their last period, the benefits of hormone therapy for bothersome menopause symptoms generally outweigh the risks. The decision is always individual and depends on your symptoms, personal and family history, and preferences.
Hormone therapy is usually not recommended for women with:
- A history of breast cancer or certain other hormone-sensitive cancers
- A previous blood clot, stroke or heart attack
- Active liver disease
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Women who cannot or prefer not to take hormones still have effective options, described below.
See a doctor promptly for any vaginal bleeding after menopause, chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, leg swelling or pain, or sudden changes in vision or speech.
Specialized Care From Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy
Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, with additional expertise in advanced minimally invasive gynecology. She completed her residency and fellowship at Wayne State University and has more than 21 years of experience in medicine.
She also holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy (PharmD) from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. That pharmaceutical training is especially valuable in hormone therapy, where choosing the right hormone, dose and delivery method, and checking how it interacts with your other medications, makes a real difference to both comfort and safety.
Because she also specializes in the bladder and pelvic floor, she can address the vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and urinary symptoms that often come with menopause in the same visit.
Your Hormone Therapy Consultation
Your first visit is a detailed conversation, not a one-size-fits-all prescription.
- Symptom review: which symptoms bother you most and how they affect sleep, work, relationships and daily life.
- Personal and family history: including breast cancer, blood clots, heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis.
- Medication review: prescriptions, supplements and any hormones you have used before.
- Exam and screening check: blood pressure, a pelvic exam when needed, and confirming your mammogram and cervical screening are up to date.
- Lab tests when helpful: blood hormone levels are not usually needed to diagnose menopause in women over 45, but testing can be useful in situations such as suspected early menopause or to rule out other causes like thyroid disease.
Treatment Options for Menopause Symptoms
Your plan is built around your symptoms, your health history and your preferences, and it is reviewed regularly.
Hormone therapy
- Estrogen therapy: as a patch, gel, spray or pill. Skin-based estrogen may carry a lower risk of blood clots than pills for some women.
- Combined estrogen and progesterone: for women who have a uterus.
- Low-dose vaginal estrogen: for vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and recurrent urinary symptoms.
- FDA-approved bioidentical options: estradiol and micronized progesterone when they fit your needs.
Potential benefits include relief of hot flashes and night sweats, better sleep, improved vaginal comfort and protection against bone loss. Potential risks include blood clots, stroke, gallbladder disease and a small increase in breast cancer risk with longer use of combined therapy. Your individual risk is discussed in detail before you start.
Nonhormonal and supportive care
- Nonhormonal prescriptions: several medications approved or commonly used for hot flashes, for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormones.
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants: for dryness and comfort during intercourse.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy: for painful intercourse, bladder symptoms and pelvic floor changes.
- Lifestyle support: sleep strategies, regular exercise, limiting alcohol and identifying personal hot flash triggers.
Learn more in our guides to hormone therapy options for women and hormone therapy safety.
What Can You Expect From Treatment?
Many women notice fewer and milder hot flashes within a few weeks of starting hormone therapy, with the full effect usually seen by about three months. Vaginal estrogen tends to improve dryness and comfort over several weeks of regular use.
We typically review your progress about three months after starting treatment and then at least once a year, adjusting the dose or form as needed. There is no fixed age at which every woman must stop. How long you continue is a shared decision based on your symptoms, benefits and changing health risks over time. Results vary, and some women need a different approach before finding the right fit.
Specialized Menopause Care in Katy, Texas
Menopause care that considers your whole pelvic and hormonal health.
- Board-certified gynecologist and urogynecologist
- Doctor of Pharmacy expertise in hormone selection and dosing
- Careful review of benefits, risks and alternatives
- Hormonal and nonhormonal options
- Treatment of vaginal and bladder symptoms of menopause
- Convenient Katy location on the Grand Parkway
What Our Patients Say
Patients share their experience of care at our Katy office. Individual results vary.
Dr. Elshatanoufy is simply wonderful! She took the time to thoroughly explain my extensive lab results and other tests, answered all of my questions, and gave me the confidence and peace of mind I needed before moving forward with the procedure.
The entire staff was also incredibly attentive, courteous, and welcoming throughout my visit. I truly loved my experience there and felt very well cared for. I definitely trust Dr. Elshatanoufy and her team with my health needs and would highly recommend them!
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Solafa. She is warm, attentive, and incredibly compassionate. She takes her time during appointments, listens carefully to concerns, and never makes you feel rushed. Her bedside manner is truly wonderful, and she creates such a comfortable and reassuring environment. You can tell she genuinely cares about her patients. Very sweet, professional, and knowledgeable. I’m so grateful to have found her for my mom’s treatment.
Dr. Elshatanoufy was truly lovely to work with. I’ve had a hard time pinning down my symptoms but she was willing to hear my concerns and do a thorough examination to rule out more serious conditions. She was thorough, efficient, patient, gentle, and kind during the pelvic examination, which is a vulnerable position for women. I felt that she genuinely cared for my wellbeing. After receiving less than ideal care at a neighboring practice in Katy, I am really grateful to Dr. E for validating my concerns, making me feel heard, and reassured with my next steps.
The waiting room was pretty busy and cold when I went. Suggest bringing headphones and some long sleeves!
My experience perfection. From check in to check out. Dia was my MA and she was so professional and a pleasure. She answered all my questions and made sure I was taken care of. Dr Elshatanoufy was AWESOME! Great bedside manner and make my exam comfortable. Then I had the pleasure to check out with Elizabeth and she was just as pleasant. I can tell this is an office that cares greatly for their patients!
This was my first visit at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health. It was a great experience, from checking in with a very helpful and friendly receptionist to being seeing by Nida the office manager, Oyin the NP and Dr. E. Everyone was very friendly, professional, and made the visit very comfortable. They thoroughly explained all the finding and the options for treatment. I highly recommend this practice.
Dr E. and her whole staff are gems! They have the best customer service, energy, and I noticed they are great with all other patients besides me. Dr E. really listens to your problems, offers solutions and she explains things so well. You can tell she loves what she does and does a wonderful job at it. I definitely recommend her practice to anyone seeking top notch, high quality care.
Just the kindest people! I was so at ease with the whole experience!! Very knowledgeable, explained everything and answered all my questions!!! Wish I had found her earlier in my life!!
Mi nombre es Nidia, I am a patient at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health and had my surgery less than 15 days ago. This clinic is highly recommended for its excellent medical and humane care. This type of care is provided by the entire staff, in addition to the doctor, including the receptionist, nurses, and health technicians. The surgeon is Solafa Elshatanoufy, who has more than 20 years of experience in women’s pelvic health, offering modern, effective, and minimally invasive treatments in many cases. She is a compassionate and empathetic person who makes you feel safe, listened to, and cared for by expert and professional hands. The environment is clean and welcoming, and thanks to its modernity, I felt almost no discomfort or pain during the procedures, and everything was quick.
One of the best places to see OBGYN. My mom sees Dr. Solafa. The staffs, nurses, Doctors and the services they provide are very professional and welcoming. Highly recommended.
Top-tier doctor and extremely skilled surgeon, I could not have been more blessed to have her taking care of me. Thank you, Dr. E!
Dr. E is a super great Doctor who listens attentively and collaborates closely with patients throughout every step of the process. Additionally, the office staff was professional, courteous, and efficient.
Dr. E is so kind and professional. She listened to all my concerns and had an answer to all my questions. She made sure I was happy with my medications. Her staff is so helpful and make the visit go quickly and efficiently. I am so glad I found Dr E!
Dr. E has the best bedside manner compared to all the doctors I have seen before. She is so knowledgeable and truly cares for her patients and wants the best for everyone. I feel incredibly lucky to find a doctor willing to always spare time for patients. She is amazing and 1000% worth the wait!!!!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hormone Replacement Therapy
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
For most healthy women under 60 or within about 10 years of menopause, the benefits of hormone therapy for bothersome symptoms outweigh the risks. It is not right for everyone, which is why your personal and family history are reviewed carefully before treatment.
When is the best time to start hormone therapy?
Hormone therapy is generally most favorable when started before age 60 or within about 10 years of your last period. Women with early or surgical menopause are often advised to consider it until around the natural age of menopause.
How long can I stay on hormone therapy?
There is no set time limit for every woman. The length of treatment is a shared decision reviewed at least once a year, based on your symptoms, benefits and current health risks.
Are bioidentical hormones safer?
FDA-approved bioidentical hormones, such as estradiol and micronized progesterone, are well studied and widely used. Custom-compounded hormones are not FDA-approved and can vary in strength, so they are not recommended as a first choice.
Do I need blood tests to start hormone therapy?
Usually not for women over 45 with typical symptoms, because menopause is diagnosed from your history and periods. Testing may be helpful for suspected early menopause or to rule out other conditions such as thyroid disease.
What if I cannot take hormones?
Effective nonhormonal options include certain prescription medications for hot flashes, vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, pelvic floor therapy and lifestyle strategies. We will help you find the right combination.
Can hormone therapy help vaginal dryness and bladder symptoms?
Yes. Low-dose vaginal estrogen is very effective for vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, and it can reduce urinary urgency and repeated urinary tract infections in some postmenopausal women.
Do you see patients from outside Katy?
Yes. Women from Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Cypress and across Greater Houston are seen at our Katy office.
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Katy Women’s Pelvic Health is located at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, in Katy, Texas. All hormone consultations and follow-up visits take place at our Katy office. We welcome new patients from Katy and Cinco Ranch, as well as women traveling from Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Cypress and West Houston.
Ready to Feel More Like Yourself Again?
Get clear answers about menopause and a hormone plan made for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy at our Katy office.
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Katy, TX 77494