Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause: All You Need To Know

Published on: Sep 26, 2023 / Last Updated on: Sep 26, 2023 / REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause: All You Need To Know

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years between the ages of 45 and 55. It brings about a significant shift in hormonal balance, with declining levels of estrogen and progesterone leading to a range of physical and emotional changes. To address the discomfort and symptoms that menopause brings, many women turn to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This article will explore the different types of HRT, its benefits, risks, and potential side effects.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that aims to relieve symptoms of menopause in women. As women age, the level of female hormones begins to decline. The two most important female hormones include estrogen and progesterone. When the level of these hormones falls, women experience different emotional and physical symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Hormone Therapies, administered in various forms, strive to replenish the normal levels of these essential female hormones.

Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Two Main Types of HRT are:

Estrogen Therapy

This form of HRT involves the administration of synthetic estrogen alone. This procedure is for women who have undergone a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) and do not require progesterone to protect the uterine lining. Estrogen therapy can effectively alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. Estrogen is available in different forms, including vaginal ring, gel, or spray. However, pills and patches are the most common forms of the hormone. A study explains some contraindications for oral or transdermal estrogen-based therapies. These contraindications include chronic liver disease, a history of breast cancer, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.

Combined Therapy

This therapy involves the dose of both estrogen and progesterone. Combined therapy is ideal for women having a uterus. Estrogen therapy alone can increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer because it can stimulate the growth of the uterine lining. This risk is particularly relevant for women who have a uterus. Progesterone is added to the treatment regimen to mitigate this risk. Progesterone helps balance the effects of estrogen on the uterus, preventing excessive growth of its lining and reducing the risk of cancer.

Ways of Taking HRT

NHS describes the ways of taking HRT. Usually, HRT is given for 2 to 5 years, but the duration can be longer than this, depending upon the specific condition of each individual. HRT is available in various forms. The most common forms of HRT include:

  • Tablets

  • Skin Patches

  • Estrogen Gel

  • Vaginal Estrogen

  • Testosterone Gels and Patches

  • BHRT Pellet Therapy

Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

healthy and happy senior women

Even though, Hormone Replacement Therapy is mainly used for alleviating the symptoms of menopause, it has other health benefits too. Let's talk about these in detail.

Alleviating Menopausal Symptoms

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or Hormone Treatment (HT) is a targeted solution to relieve the uncomfortable and often disruptive symptoms accompanying menopause. These symptoms include:

  • Hot Flashes: HT relieves the sudden and intense episodes of heat known as hot flashes, which can significantly impact daily life.

  • Vaginal Dryness and Painful Intercourse: Menopause-related hormonal imbalance can lead to vaginal dryness, discomfort, and painful intercourse. HT aims to address this challenge and enhance sexual well-being.

  • Addressing Night Sweats: Hormone therapies reduce sudden episodes of excessive sweating during sleep. These night sweats can interrupt sleep and make nights uncomfortable.

  • Soothing Dry, Itchy Skin: Hormone treatment also aims to relieve dry and itchy skin, which can be bothersome. By doing so, it provides an opportunity for women to have more comfortable skin and better sleep at night.

Other Health Benefits

  • Preserving Bone Health: Hormone therapies play a crucial role in reducing the risk of osteoporosis, which weakens bones and subsequently lowers the chances of fractures.

  • Enhancing Mood and Mental Well-being: Some women experience improved mood and an overall sense of mental well-being through HRT, mitigating the mood swings and emotional disturbance often associated with menopause.

  • Oral Health Protection: The administration of hormones may contribute to a decreased risk of tooth loss, potentially safeguarding oral health and overall well-being.

  • Mitigating Colon Cancer Risk: Taking hormones has been linked to a lowered risk of colon cancer, highlighting its potential role in minimizing the chances of developing this serious health condition.

  • Managing Diabetes Risk: HT offers the advantage of a lowered risk of diabetes, highlighting its potential impact on preventing metabolic disorders.

  • Slight Enhancement in Joint Comfort: Women dealing with joint discomfort may find some relief through HRT, contributing to a more easeful everyday experience.

  • Longevity Boost: A noteworthy finding indicates that women who initiate hormone therapy in their 50s may benefit from a lower death rate, suggesting a potential life span extension.

Risks of Hormonal Replacement Therapy

HRT is very effective for menopause and other hormonal imbalance issues, but it can lead to the risk of certain severe conditions. The risks of hormonal replacement therapy for menopause include:

  • Breast Cancer: Long-term use of combination HRT (estrogen and progesterone) is associated with a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer. The risk appears to be higher with prolonged use and diminishes after discontinuation of therapy.

  • Endometrial Cancer: Estrogen therapy alone, without the addition of progesterone in women with a uterus, can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. The addition of progesterone helps mitigate this risk by protecting the uterine lining.

  • Cardiovascular Risks: While some studies suggest cardiovascular benefits, others have raised concerns about the potential increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart disease associated with HRT. Healthcare providers must evaluate the individual risk factors and medical history before starting HRT.

  • Blood Clots: Estrogen-based HRT can increase the risk of blood clots. Women with a history of clotting disorders should exercise caution and discuss their medical history with a healthcare provider.

Side Effects of Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Common side effects include bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, headaches, and nausea. These side effects are temporary and tend to improve as the body adjusts to the therapy. Other less common side effects include:

  • Fluid retention

  • Skin discoloration (brown or black spots).

  • Increased breast density makes mammogram interpretation more difficult

  • Skin irritation under estrogen patch

Conclusion

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) significantly relieves menopause symptoms and supports bone and cardiovascular health. But, it comes with risks. Women considering HRT should consider consulting experts at M Health and Beauty, as we offer customized, patient-specific treatments.