Revitalize Your Life: Unlocking The Transformative Power Of HRT
Many women undergo HRT to counteract the side effects of menopause. Here's what you need to know.
Regaining Normalcy During Menopause
I n a woman’s life, menopause is one of the life stages that can’t be avoided. Most known for symptoms like hot flashes or difficulty sleeping, the experience can be frustrating as people try to navigate a new normal. Other symptoms like poor sleep, reduced sexual drive, hormonal imbalances, and even depression are also possible. For many individuals, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a recommended treatment designed to supplement the hormones lost through menopause and control symptoms. Here’s what women need to know about HRT and what to expect.
How is HRT administered?
Usually, HRT is delivered in one of two common methods, which include low-dose vaginal delivery and systemic hormone therapy. Systemic hormone therapy can be absorbed through the body. The process centers on higher estrogen doses that are delivered via gel, ring topically via the skin or a patch, or even with creams. By contrast, low-dose vaginal hormone products deliver treatments through rings, creams, and tablets with a significantly reduced amount of estrogen. Low-dose options are usually reserved for solely treating menopause symptoms that impact the urinary tract or vagina. Sometimes, physicians will recommend progesterone supplementation.
Which HRT plan is best?
Although HRT is effective for many menopausal women, the treatment plan isn’t ideal for all people. Individuals who previously underwent a hysterectomy or where the uterus was completely removed aren’t ideal candidates for HRT with progesterone. However, women who haven’t had the surgery may find relief by taking a combination of estrogen and progesterone. Physicians usually refer to the combination treatment as estrogen progesterone/progestin hormone therapy (EPT). Specifically, opting for dual therapy can lower the risk of endometrial cancer, which is often heightened when women only use supplemental estrogen. By contrast, taking just progesterone significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer and can even yield lighter or no periods.
Other benefits of HRT
HRT is proven to minimize or eliminate night sweats and hot flashes, two of the most often reported annoying menopause symptoms. Yet other benefits exist when women choose to take HRT. Sexual wellness may improve since the hormone treatment can reverse vaginal dryness. Additionally, osteoporosis risks that disproportionately impact women are also reduced after hormone therapy. Some people report improved mood and better well-being. Finally, issues like tooth loss and colon cancer are less prevalent, while health concerns like diabetes and joint deterioration are reduced.
Does HRT have risks?
No medical treatment is completely risk-free. Specifically, women who haven’t undergone hysterectomies but who are using estrogen may still have a higher risk of endometrial cancer. Other life-threatening side effects can include stroke, blood clots, gallbladder and gallstone issues, and even dementia, depending on when HRT is started. Finally, breast cancer is also a concern for women who are long-term HRT users.
How long does HRT last?
Unfortunately, a strict timeline doesn’t exist for starting or stopping HRT. Yet, guidelines exist that recommend to reduce side effects, physicians should prescribe the lowest dose that still effectively treats common menopausal issues. Additionally, routine hormone level monitoring is recommended to avoid complications.