What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Menopause means the end of monthly periods. You may experience a range of symptoms. During menopause, your estrogen levels fall. Some women get uncomfortable symptoms known as hot flashes, stiff Joints, joint pain, and vaginal dryness.  Menopause symptoms aren’t limited to hot flashes and night sweats. Other symptoms of menopause include difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, depression, headaches, racing heart, vaginal dryness, decreased recent memory, and decreased energy. For some women, these symptoms begin years before menopause. A healthy lifestyle and HRTs can help to manage menopause symptoms. 

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as Estrogen therapy and Menopausal hormone therapy. It is a therapy that doctors may prescribe to treat hormonal imbalances or depletion, particularly following menopause.

Some HRTs are designed to treat many of the symptoms of menopause. This is usually in the form of tablets or a patch or gel applied to the skin. There are also vaginal pessaries (vaginal tablets) and creams if your vaginal or urinary symptoms are bothersome.

How long do you take HRT?

According to Doctors, If you have HRT to help with menopausal symptoms, you should take it for 2 to 3 years. To get the best benefit in reducing the risk of osteoporosis, you need to take HRT for at least 5 years.

If you had early menopause or surgery to remove your ovaries, the time is not counted until you reach the age of 50. This is the average age of menopause. 

What are the benefits of taking hormone therapy (HRT)?

Hormone therapy (HRT) is prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms including:

• Hot flashes.
• Vaginal dryness can result in painful intercourse.
• Other problematic symptoms of menopause, such as night sweats and dry, itchy skin.
• Reduced risk of developing osteoporosis and reduced risk of breaking a bone.
• Improved mood and overall sense of mental well-being in some women.
• Decreased tooth loss.
• Lowered risk of colon cancer.
• Lowered risk of diabetes.
• Modest improvement in joint pains.
• The lower death rate for women who take hormone therapy in their 50s.

Risks of taking Hormone replacement therapy

Like any other therapy, HRT also has some risks associated with it. These risks include:

• the cardiovascular disease only if you have a previous medical history.
• An increased risk of endometrial cancer (only if you still have your uterus and are not taking progestin along with estrogen).
• Increased risk of blood clots and stroke.
• Increased chance of gallbladder/gallstone problems.
• Increased risk of dementia if hormone therapy is started after midlife. HRT started during midlife is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• Increased risk of breast cancer with long-term use.

A healthy lifestyle and HRTs can help to manage menopause symptoms. The decision to take hormone therapy needs to be a very personalized one. Hormone therapy is not for everyone. If you are thinking about taking HRT, it is important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages, benefits and risks with your doctor.

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