Hormone replacement therapy provides relief from many symptoms associated with menopause. There are many ways that HRT can be administered.
For example, estrogen and progestogen can be taken in pills, patches, injections and creams. They can also be taken on a variety of schedules. Continuous therapy is given daily either via a pill or a patch can be used for two days a week for instance.
In addition, HRT can be offered on a cycle where hormones are given for a period of time and then withheld for a specific time. Oral hormones taken in a pill form are convenient.
One of the problems with this way of taking HRT is that the pill may be digested before enough of the hormone can be released into the system. Intramuscular injects is another means of taking hormones.
Intramuscular injections are given every few weeks and may cause hormone fluctuations as the hormones are absorbed into the system.
Some women like the convenience of using transdermal patches as a way to take HRT. Patches are worn continuous and supply a steady stream of hormones. Some women have reported difficulty with rashes while using patches.
Another popular way to take hormones is by using vaginal hormone creams. These creams are applied directly onto the vagina. It is an effective way to help reduce vagina symptoms of menopause such as dryness and thinning on the vaginal wall. Progestins are occasionally given via the use of suppositories.
Subcutaneous pellets are a way of taking HRT whereby pellets are inserted under the skin. Though this means of taking HRT is convenient, there may be problems associated with its use. For instance, if the dosage is wrong or the pellet has to be removed it requires surgery. In addition, side effects such as weight gain have been reported.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement
Hormone replacement is therapeutic and useful for a wide assortment of menopausal symptoms. For example, in menopausal women, it helps regulate the flow of estrogen and in the process decreases the occurrence of hot flashes and night sweats. There are many other benefits of hormone replacement as well. However, there is a significant body of evidence that suggests hormone replacement therapy can be risky and shouldn’t be used long term (Woman’s Health Initiative). The benefits of hormone replacement include protection from bone loss, colorectal cancer, and from heart disease.
Prolonged use of hormones may increase the risk of heart disease. In addition, hormone replacement may make sexual relationships better and more satisfying for menopausal women because it combats vaginal dryness and discomfort frequently experienced by menopausal women. As hormones produced in the ovaries decline after menopause, changes in the vagina as a result can make intercourse uncomfortable. Estrogen provides benefits of hormone replacement by keeping the vagina more elastic and reduces thinning and drying of the tissue.
There are changes in the urinary track as well as a result of the loss of naturally occurring hormones. As a result of those changes many women experience problems of leakage and sometimes incontinence. The benefits of hormone replacement in this case are that the urinary tract is kept subtle and women have fewer problems as a result. While there is some important ways that hormone replacement therapy eases menopause, women who are considering it should be mindful of the risks. During the landmark 2002 study by the Woman’s Health Initiative it was discovered that women on hormone replacement therapy were more likely to exhibit blood clots, stroke, heart disease and breast cancer. There are some alternative treatments that provide a measure of relief for menopausal symptoms such as the use of biological identical hormones, natural phytoestrogens such as soy, and herbal formulas when the benefits of hormone replacement are desired without the risks.
- For instance, hormone replacement therapy offers a course of treatment that has yielded positive results for menopausal women.
- In addition, there are natural treatments such as the use of herbs like black cohosh that apparently reduces the severity of menopausal women. Some of these symptoms like hot flashes, bone loss, loss of libido and vaginal dryness make menopause a time of great discomfort for many women.
- The loss of naturally produced estrogen, progesterone and testosterone lead to a wide assortment of menopausal symptoms. For instance, menopausal women often report sexual difficulties like the loss of libido and vaginal dryness.
- There are also physical symptoms that may have long term consequences such as thinning bones (osteoporosis).
The use of menopause treatment and relief products can make a big difference for women who are faced with these difficulties. Hormone replacement therapy, natural hormone replacement therapy and natural products all have shown some promise of relief.
Hormone replacement especially artificial hormones may have some significant risks. Studies by The Woman’s Health Initiative for example, indicated that hormone replacement therapy can lead to increased risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer. Use of natural hormones such as DHEA is also promising as menopause treatment and relief and appears to be safer though human studies are limited.
Some women have chosen to use natural herbs and formulations as a means of avoiding the risks of hormone replacement therapy. For instance, black cohosh is reputed to minimize hot flashes, and night sweats. Saint John’s wort is another herb that has been used to curb some of the emotional upset frequently experienced by menopause. Other natural treatments like the inclusion of soy products into the diet may yield some benefits. The problem with some natural menopause treatment and relief products is that there may be reactions to other drugs. Some of these herbs are quite potent. In addition, there have been few human studies on the efficacy of these products.
- Related Topics
- Hormone Replacement Therapy and Cholesterol: HRT and Breast Cancer
- Irregular, Missed Periods After Stopping Birth Control Pills Causes
- Is Taking A Shower At Night Bad: Tips For Taking Bath Before Sleeping
- Adrenaline Hormone Health Benefits, Funtion | Epinephrine Properties
- Side Effects Of Diet Pills: Long Term Effects Of Weight Loss Pills
I am 37 years old and waiting for a hysterectomy and possibly removal of my ovaries. My consultant has given me a prescription for HRT via injections as I am suffering from PMT. I am hesitant to begin the HRT injections as I am afraid of the side effects, but she said she would like me to try them before we decide if my ovaries should be removed. I am so confused as to if I should take the HRT or not because if my ovaries are removed I will have to be on it for long term. Please advise.