Hormone Replacement Therapy
It’s estimated that 70% to 80% of women experience menopause symptoms that adversely affect both their quality of life and productivity, highlights The Menopause Society. Many women cope with the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause via lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise, though it’s important to realize that there are other solutions out there. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), for instance, can provide long-term relief from menopause symptoms, though it’s not for everyone. From the advantages to the potential drawbacks and why it’s so important to discuss with your doctor beforehand, here’s what you should know about the innovative treatment option.
An exploration of the benefits
As women transition into menopause, the ovaries stop the creation of high levels of estrogen, the sex hormone that plays a major role in reproductive and sexual development. The experience of menopause is different for every woman, though the lack of estrogen can often result in symptoms that are uncomfortable — such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings, to highlight a few. HRT works to replace the hormones that the body is no longer making enough of. “Once your hormone levels rise, most people find relief from their symptoms,” the Cleveland Clinic points out. This can increase the quality of life for many women, though there are additional benefits. In addition to relief from the symptoms of menopause, Healthline notes that HRT can protect against cardiovascular disease, help relieve depression, protect your bones and prevent loss of muscle mass. HRT may also have a “protective effect” against some neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Hormone therapy has been proven to help postmenopausal women in major ways, such as through the prevention of bone loss and reduced fracture. However, it’s essential to understand how the therapy works. For example, it’s important to note that not all HRT treatments are the same, though the primary goal is to replace the estrogen that the body no longer produces, the Mayo Clinic notes. The Mayo Clinic goes on to explain that there are two main types of estrogen therapy — systemic hormone therapy, and low-dose vaginal products. While systemic estrogen is used to treat common symptoms of menopause, it can be found in a variety of forms (ring, pill, skin patch, cream, or spray). Systemic hormone therapy “typically contains a higher dose of estrogen” which is absorbed throughout the body. Low-dose vaginal products, on the other hand, generally come in the form of a cream, tablet, or ring, and work to minimize the amount of estrogen absorbed by the body. “Because of this, low-dose vaginal preparations are usually only used to treat the vaginal and urinary symptoms of menopause,” the Mayo Clinic explains.
A rundown of the risks
Like with most medical treatments, HRT does come along with several risks that women must be aware of. A Cedars Sinai blog post highlights the various risks involved, which include stroke, blood clots, and cancer. “Your risk level depends on your age, medical history, the hormones you take and the delivery method,” the article notes. For instance, it’s noted that transdermal estrogen patches carry a lower risk of stroke and blood clots than oral estrogen does. A Medical News Today article further expands on the risks involved with HRT — while it’s noted that people can, in theory, take HRT for the rest of their lives, the risks involved may increase with age. The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom indicates that the benefits of hormone replacement therapy typically outweigh the risks — long-term use can involve benefits such as improved cognitive and sexual function, as well as a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer, for example. However, Medical News Today goes on to point out that potential risks of long-term HRT use include an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, dementia, heart attack, or stroke.
Is it right for you?
The Cleveland Clinic points out that a variety of factors (such as your age, medical history, and symptom severity) can all impact your decision in regard to hormone replacement therapy. Other factors, such as the options for HRT should also be taken into consideration. Telehealth hormone replacement therapy is one option that can provide patients the ability to discover HRT programs online with quality providers, and can offer convenience and flexibility, too. Telehealth programs can pave the way for a personalized hormone replacement therapy experience — after a consultation and evaluation, assessment, and lab analysis, experts in the field can tailor a prescription and wellness plan to your needs.
Everyone is different, so a conversation with a medical professional is essential in the determination as to whether or not hormone replacement therapy is right for you. Some women may wish to consider alternatives to HRT — these include regular ercise, stress management, and clinical treatment such as medication (certain antidepressant medications, for example, are prescribed to treat menopause symptoms such as hot flashes). Some women may find relief through treatment for specific symptoms, and can find success in treating a particularly bothersome symptom rather than undergoing HRT. For instance, those who experience discomfort during sex may find that vaginal lubricants help, while the incorporation of stress management techniques like mindful meditation can help focus on inner peace and improve sleep as a result.
Hormone replacement therapy presents a variety of benefits for those who experience menopause, though this doesn’t mean that it is right for everyone. With considerations such as your menopause experience, background information, and the risks involved, you and your doctor can determine whether HRT is the right treatment option for you.
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