Hormone Replacement Therapy for Richmond Women
Menopause affects more than hot flashes. Dryness, painful intimacy and new bladder problems are common too, and they respond well to treatment.
Women from Richmond are seen for hormone replacement therapy and menopause care at our Katy office, a short drive north on the Grand Parkway. Because Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy is both a board-certified OB/GYN and a urogynecologist, she treats whole-body symptoms such as hot flashes along with the vaginal and bladder changes of menopause that many women never mention. We do not have a Richmond office.
Menopause and Your Pelvic Health
Estrogen keeps the tissues of the vagina, vulva, urethra and bladder thick, moist and elastic. As estrogen falls during menopause, these tissues become thinner and more fragile. Doctors call this genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). It affects about half of postmenopausal women, yet many never bring it up.
Unlike hot flashes, which often ease with time, GSM symptoms tend to continue or worsen without treatment. The good news is that they are among the most treatable symptoms of menopause.
Some women need systemic hormone therapy for hot flashes and sleep, others need only local vaginal treatment, and many benefit from both.
Symptoms We Treat
Both whole-body and pelvic symptoms are part of every menopause visit.
Whole-body symptoms
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Poor sleep
- Mood swings and irritability
- Brain fog
- Joint aches
Vaginal and bladder symptoms
- Vaginal dryness, burning or itching
- Pain or bleeding with intercourse
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Burning with urination without infection
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
See also our pages on overactive bladder and sexual health.
Benefits and Risks
Low-dose vaginal estrogen acts mainly on the pelvic tissues, with very little absorbed into the bloodstream, and it is considered safe for most women, including many who cannot take systemic hormones. Women with a history of breast cancer should discuss it with their oncologist.
Systemic hormone therapy (pills, patches, gels or sprays) treats hot flashes and protects bone. For healthy women under 60 or within ten years of menopause, benefits generally outweigh risks. It is usually not recommended after breast or endometrial cancer, blood clots, stroke, heart attack, with active liver disease or with unexplained bleeding. Risks include blood clots, stroke and, with long-term combined therapy, a small increase in breast cancer risk.
See a doctor promptly for any bleeding after menopause. Seek emergency care for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath or sudden weakness. Call 911.
Care From Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy
Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. That combination is unusual and especially helpful in menopause care, where hormone changes, bladder function and pelvic floor health are closely connected. She also holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
What to Expect at Your Visit
- A review of whole-body, vaginal and bladder symptoms
- Health and family history to assess the safety of hormone therapy
- A gentle pelvic exam when appropriate to check tissue health and pelvic floor support
- Urine testing if you have bladder symptoms
- A plan that may combine systemic and local treatment
Treatment Options
Treatments can be combined to match your symptoms.
Local pelvic treatment
- Low-dose vaginal estrogen cream, tablet or ring
- Vaginal DHEA
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
- Treatments to reduce recurrent bladder infections
Systemic and supportive care
- Estrogen patches, gels, sprays or pills, with progesterone if you have a uterus
- Non-hormonal medications for hot flashes
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Bladder training and urgency management
Read more on our main hormone replacement therapy page.
Why Richmond Women Choose Our Katy Office
Menopause care that includes your bladder and pelvic floor.
- Board-certified OB/GYN and urogynecologist
- Vaginal and bladder symptoms treated together
- Physician with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree
- Hormonal and non-hormonal options
- Private, unhurried visits
- Most major insurance plans accepted
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!!!!
Questions From Richmond Patients
Do you have an office in Richmond?
No. Richmond patients are seen at our Katy office at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320. Most reach us by taking the Grand Parkway (SH 99) north.
Can menopause cause bladder problems?
Yes. Lower estrogen can lead to urgency, frequency, burning and repeated urinary infections. Vaginal estrogen often helps these symptoms.
Do I need systemic hormones if my only symptom is dryness?
Usually not. Low-dose vaginal estrogen or DHEA treats dryness and pain with intercourse directly, with minimal absorption into the bloodstream.
How long does vaginal estrogen take to work?
Many women notice improvement in a few weeks, with full benefit in about three months. It continues to work as long as it is used.
Is vaginal estrogen safe long term?
For most women, yes. It has very little absorption into the bloodstream. Women with a history of breast cancer should discuss it with their oncologist.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans. Our team can help you check your coverage.
Related Articles
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Read article: Potential Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy: How HRT May Help Manage Menopause SymptomsGetting to Our Office From Richmond
Our office is at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, in Katy. From Richmond and Rosenberg, most patients take the Grand Parkway (SH 99) north. We are open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and accepting new patients. Contact our office for help scheduling.
Feel More Comfortable Again
Get relief for menopause symptoms from head to pelvis. Schedule a consultation at our Katy office.
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Katy, TX 77494