Hormone Replacement Therapy for Fulshear Women
Whether menopause arrived gradually, early or suddenly after surgery, specialist hormone care is just minutes from Fulshear at our Katy office.
Fulshear is one of our closest neighboring communities, and women from Fulshear are seen for hormone replacement therapy at our Katy office. Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy, a board-certified OB/GYN and urogynecologist, treats menopause symptoms and pays special attention to women who reach menopause early or after surgery, when hormone therapy can also protect bone and heart health. We do not have an office in Fulshear.
Natural, Early and Surgical Menopause
Most women reach menopause naturally around age 51. Some reach it much earlier, and the timing affects treatment choices.
- Natural menopause: a gradual transition, often with several years of perimenopause symptoms.
- Early menopause: before age 45. Primary ovarian insufficiency is menopause before 40.
- Surgical menopause: immediate menopause after both ovaries are removed. Symptoms can start within days and are often more intense.
- Treatment-related menopause: after chemotherapy, radiation or certain medications.
When menopause happens early, the body loses estrogen’s protective effects on bone, the heart and the brain years sooner than usual. For these women, hormone therapy until at least the average age of menopause is generally recommended unless there is a medical reason to avoid it.
Symptoms and Long-Term Health
Hormone therapy is about how you feel today and how you stay healthy in the years ahead.
Symptoms you may notice
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Sleep problems and fatigue
- Mood changes or anxiety
- Vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse
- Lower sex drive
- Bladder urgency
Long-term health we monitor
- Bone density: bone loss speeds up in the first years after menopause
- Heart health: blood pressure and cholesterol
- Weight and metabolism: changes in body composition
- Pelvic health: vaginal and bladder tissue changes
Weighing the Benefits and Risks
For healthy women under 60 or within ten years of menopause, the benefits of hormone therapy for symptoms and bone protection generally outweigh the risks. For women with early or surgical menopause, the balance is usually even more favorable.
HRT is generally not recommended for women with a history of breast or endometrial cancer, blood clots, stroke, heart attack, active liver disease or unexplained vaginal bleeding. Risks can include blood clots, stroke and, with long-term combined therapy, a small increase in breast cancer risk. Women who have had a hysterectomy can usually take estrogen alone, which carries a different risk profile.
Seek emergency care for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, a painful swollen leg, sudden weakness or a severe headache. Call 911.
Hormone Care From Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy
Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, and in advanced minimally invasive gynecology. As a gynecologic surgeon, she understands the hormonal impact of hysterectomy and ovary removal and can plan hormone care before and after surgery. Her Doctor of Pharmacy training adds expertise in hormone dosing and medication interactions.
What Your Evaluation Covers
- The timing and cause of your menopause
- Your symptoms and how they affect daily life
- Personal and family history of cancer, clots and heart disease
- Blood pressure and, when appropriate, cholesterol and bone density screening
- Your preferences about pills, patches, gels or non-hormonal options
Treatment Options
We use the lowest effective dose and review your plan at least once a year.
Hormone therapy
- Estrogen alone after hysterectomy
- Estrogen with progesterone if you have a uterus
- Patches, gels, sprays or pills
- Low-dose vaginal estrogen for local symptoms
Supportive care
- Non-hormonal medications for hot flashes
- Calcium, vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise for bone health
- Bone density testing when indicated
- Pelvic floor physical therapy for bladder and pelvic symptoms
Learn more on our main hormone replacement therapy page.
Why Fulshear Women Choose Our Katy Office
Close to home, with a specialist who understands menopause from every angle.
- Board-certified OB/GYN and urogynecologist
- Experience with surgical and early menopause
- Physician with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree
- Bone and heart health considered in every plan
- Hormonal and non-hormonal options
- 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 Fulshear Patients
Do you have an office in Fulshear?
No. Fulshear patients are seen at our Katy office at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, a short drive away.
I had my ovaries removed. Should I take hormones?
For most women who have surgical menopause before the natural age of menopause, hormone therapy is recommended to relieve symptoms and protect bone and heart health, unless there is a medical reason to avoid it.
Is estrogen alone safe after a hysterectomy?
Women without a uterus can usually take estrogen alone, without a progestogen. Studies show estrogen alone has a different and generally more favorable risk profile than combined therapy.
Does hormone therapy prevent osteoporosis?
Hormone therapy helps prevent bone loss and reduces fracture risk while you take it. It is one of several options for protecting bone health.
How long should I stay on hormone therapy?
Women with early menopause usually continue at least until around age 51. After that, the decision is reviewed yearly based on symptoms and health.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans. Our team can help you check your coverage.
Related Articles
More about menopause and hormone therapy from our Katy practice.
August 31, 2026
Symptoms Following Surgical Menopause: What to Expect and How to Find Relief
Menopause is a natural stage of life for every woman, but not every woman reaches it the same way. While natural menopause develops gradually over several years, surgical menopause happens suddenly after both ovaries…
Read article: Symptoms Following Surgical Menopause: What to Expect and How to Find Relief
September 7, 2026
Menopause Symptoms Occurring Earlier Than Expected: Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Many women expect menopause to begin sometime in their late 40s or early 50s. Because this timeline is…
Read article: Menopause Symptoms Occurring Earlier Than Expected: Diagnosis & Treatment Options
July 13, 2026
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?
If you’ve been struggling with hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, mood changes, or other menopause…
Read article: Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?Getting to Our Office From Fulshear
Our office is at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, in Katy, a short drive from Fulshear and Cross Creek Ranch. We are open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and accepting new patients. Contact our office for help scheduling or with directions.
Talk With a Menopause Specialist Near Fulshear
Get a personalized plan for your symptoms and your long-term health. Schedule a consultation at our Katy office.
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Katy, TX 77494