Hormone Replacement Therapy- Types & Symptoms

Treatment for menopausal symptoms includes hormone treatment (HT). You may decide to use hormone replacement therapy based on your age, family medical history, personal medical history, and the severity of your menopausal symptoms.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

In order to avoid symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats during menopause, hormone replacement treatment (HRT) can help balance estrogen and progesterone levels. However, not everyone will necessarily find it safe to use.

HRT, sometimes referred to as menopausal hormone treatment, helps lessen hot flashes, sweating, and other menopausal symptoms. It also aids in reducing the risk of osteoporosis. While some forms of HRT exclusively include estrogen, others contain progesterone as well.

Common Menopause Symptoms

Warm flashes.
Cold flashes and/or night sweats.
Having the urge to urinate.
Difficulty sleeping.
Fluctuations in mood, a little sadness, or impatience.
Dry eyes, dry mouth, or dry skin.

Hormone treatment (HT) is used to increase hormone levels and alleviate some menopausal symptoms. You should talk with your healthcare physician about whether or not you should think about HT treatment. Taking HT has a lot of advantages and disadvantages for your health.

Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone treatment may be delivered in a variety of methods, and each one offers a unique mix and dosage of hormones. Typical kinds are:

Estrogen-only HRT

If a patient has had their uterus and ovaries removed, in which progesterone is not required, a doctor could advise doing this.

Cyclical, or sequential, HRT

If symptoms start before menopause, this can be an advantageous option. Because the dose can match the menstrual cycle.

Continuous HRT

A doctor could advise taking a continuous combination of estrogen and progesterone after menopause.

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was once often used throughout menopause, But it may not be secure or appropriate for everyone, particularly for those with certain risk concerns. Most medical professionals now believe that using hormone treatment is safe:

For intense to very intense heat flashes.
Up till the age of 59.
10 years or less after menopause.
Utilize the least dose of the drug for the shortest duration.
The decision should, however, take into account the person’s preferences and general health.
However, the individual’s overall health and preferences should influence the decision.

Who Should Not Take HRT Due to Risks?

HRT might not be appropriate for those who have a history of

Hypertension, or uncontrolled high blood pressure
Blood clots or thrombosis
High triglyceride levels in the blood
Stroke
Heart condition
Breast cancer
A gallbladder condition

What is the Recommended Course of Hormone Treatment (HT)?

In general, there is no temporal restriction on how long you can use hormone replacement therapy. The lowest possible dose of hormone therapy that is effective for you should be used. Also, you should continue frequent monitoring with your healthcare practitioner.

Thus, you may review your treatment strategy annually. Consult your doctor if you have a new medical problem while using HT to determine whether it is still safe to use it.

The Bottom Line

A common strategy for treating a variety of health problems is hormone treatment. The symptoms of menopause can be controlled with the use of certain hormones or hormone combinations. Hormone replacement therapy is not appropriate for everyone, though. Moreover, doctors and other healthcare professionals may assist you in making decisions by thoroughly outlining the risks and potential advantages.