Hormone Replacement Therapy, known as HRT is the only treatment for menopause that has been approved by the FDA. Women all over the world use HRT to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. This method is very effective, hence most women use it.
HRT is believed to bring relief from hot flashes and vaginal dryness and protects the bones from osteoporosis.
Estrogen and progesterone are usually produced by the ovaries, but not during menopause. In hormone replacement therapy, they are given to supplement their lack of production and to raise their levels in the body.
Estrogen and progesterone are responsible for thickening the lining of the uterus, so their presence in the body is necessary. Estrogen also influences the process of using calcium by the organism, which is relevant for building strong healthy bones.
What’s more, estrogen is helpful in maintaining proper levels of cholesterol in the blood. These low levels of estrogen and progesterone may cause menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and osteoporosis. Thus HRT increases the levels of these two hormones in a woman’s body, and helps to relieve symptoms of menopause.
TYPES OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPIES
We can distinguish 2 main types of hormonal replacement therapy. Estrogen Therapy and Progestin-Estrogen Therapy.
* Estrogen Therapy: the estrogen hormone is taken alone. An estrogen patch or pill is taken daily, in low doses every day to alleviate menopausal symptoms and to prevent osteoporosis. 0.625 milligrams of estrogen is a proper daily dose.
* Progestin-Estrogen Therapy: estrogen and progesterone hormones are taken at the same time. This therapy is also called combination therapy. Estrogen and progesterone in a low dose are taken continuously to prevent the regular, monthly bleeding occurring when progesterone is taken alone. Currently it is recommended to take the lowest dose of hormone therapy consistently for the shortest time.
HRT BENEFITS:
Taking estrogen helps to relieve:
* Hot flashes
* dryness of vagina
* Prevents the onset of osteoporosis
* decreases the risk of bone fracture
* Improves the mood and provides women with sense of well-being
* Reduces tooth loss
* Decreases the risk of colon cancer
THE RISKS OF HRT
Although HRT has many advantages for women with menopause, it is connected with certain risks. Due to this reason HRT is prescribed for short periods only. Health risks include:
* Greater risk of endometrial cancer
* Greater risk of blood clots, strokes and heart disease
* Greater risk of breast cancer
* Greater risk for gall bladder disease
Other possible health risks also include: greater risk for memory loss and an increase in blood pressure problems in women.
HRT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR WOMEN WHO HAVE:
* Active or past breast cancer
* Recurrent or active endometrial cancer
* Abnormal vaginal bleeding
* Active blood clotting
* Liver disease
* Stroke
HRT should not be used during pregnancy.
HRT SHOULD ALSO BE AVOIDED BY WOMEN WHO HAVE;
* Endometriosis
* Fibrocystic breast disease
* Uterine fibroids
* Gallbladder disease
* High risk for blood clots
* Migraine headaches
* Epilepsy
For women who smoke it is necessary to give up the habit before starting any hormonal therapy.
SIDE EFFECTS OF HRT
Hormone replacement therapy can have several side effects. They include:
* Monthly bleeding
* Irregular spotting
* Breast tenderness
The less common side effects of HRT include:
* Blood clots and strokes
* Fluid retention
* Headaches (including migraines)
* Dizziness
* Skin discoloration
* Increased breast density
* skin irritation from estrogen patches
Most of the HRT side effects mentioned above may be decreased by adjusting either the dosage or the form of the drug. You will be helped by your physician with this. You must never make any changes in your medicines or stop taking it without first talking to your physician.
In order to find out whether HRT is right for you, your physician has to take into consideration your current health status and medical history. Every woman who is interested in taking this treatment must discuss it in detail with their healthcare provider. HRT is still being studied, and new developments are made very often. You and your physician must carefully assess, how HRT can best serve you.
