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Women in menopause often experience issues such as hot flashes, insomnia, and osteoporosis more frequently. Many women choose to use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). So, what exactly is Hormone Replacement Therapy? Is Hormone Replacement Therapy safe, and when should it be used? Join Premium Therapy to explore these questions in the article below.
Hormone Replacement Therapy is a method used to treat (peri)menopausal symptoms and to help protect long-term health. This therapy can help reduce physical and mental symptoms of menopause, such as night sweats, hot flashes, and the risk of osteoporosis. Depending on the patient’s age and health condition, the doctor will determine the appropriate treatment method.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is used to treat symptoms that occur during the (peri)menopausal period in women. During menopause, the levels of two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, decrease significantly, leading to symptoms such as mood changes, sleep difficulties, increased risk of osteoporosis, vaginal dryness, and painful intercourse.
Hormone Replacement Therapy can help alleviate these symptoms. Doctors prescribe synthetic estrogen or progesterone to help regulate the menstrual cycle. Supplementing these hormones helps reduce both physical and mental menopausal symptoms and prevents osteoporosis.
This therapy comes in various forms such as skin patches, gels, creams, oral capsules, and vaginal tablets. Among these, the transdermal method—delivering hormones directly into the bloodstream—helps reduce metabolic risks and is considered the best approach.
Systemic hormone therapy and local hormone therapy offer different benefits.
Systemic estrogen is commonly found in pills, gels, creams, skin patches, or sprays.
Studies have shown that combining estrogen and progesterone can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Additionally, estrogen supplementation helps reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, enhances memory, increases brain blood flow, and boosts libido.
For combination therapy, doctors may consider applying one of the following protocols:
Local hormone therapy comes in the form of tablets, rings, or creams.
Doctors typically prescribe estrogen along with progesterone for women who have not had a hysterectomy. This is because estrogen without progesterone can stimulate the growth of the uterine lining, increasing the risk of uterine cancer. Conversely, if the uterus has been removed, progesterone is not needed.
Alongside its benefits, HRT also carries potential risks. Combining estrogen and progesterone can increase the risk of the following conditions:
Studies have also indicated that factors such as age, type of therapy, dosage and type of estrogen, as well as personal and family medical history, contribute to these risks. Therefore, it is essential to discuss with your doctor and carefully consider these risks when choosing hormone replacement therapy.
Despite the potential health risks, systemic estrogen remains the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy are undeniable for the following cases:
Women who go through early menopause, especially those who have had their ovaries removed and do not use estrogen therapy until at least age 45, are at higher risk for conditions such as:
In these cases, the protective benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy often outweigh the risks. Patients should seek advice from their doctor to determine the most suitable treatment.
Women with the following conditions should not use Hormone Replacement Therapy:
Women who go through menopause after 45 or do not have severe menopausal symptoms do not need hormone therapy. However, patients should consult their doctor about other ways to reduce the risk of conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease. A healthy lifestyle and other medications apart from hormone therapy can also help protect long-term health.
A healthy lifestyle, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, practicing rhythmic breathing or other relaxation exercises can help manage hot flashes during menopause. For vaginal issues, doctors may prescribe moisturizers or lubricants, or medications like ospemifene (Osphena) to alleviate pain during intercourse.
In this article, we have explored hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a popular treatment for symptoms related to hormonal decline. HRT not only improves quality of life by reducing unwanted symptoms like mood swings, vaginal dryness, and other menopausal symptoms, but it also helps prevent diseases associated with hormonal decline. However, using HRT requires thorough discussion and close monitoring by a specialist to ensure safety and efficacy. Contact your healthcare provider for detailed information and personalized advice on hormone replacement therapy.
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