Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment which is used to get relief from the symptoms of menopause by replacing the level of the body’s natural hormones. Millions of females have to pass through the stage of menopause. When the level of progesterone and estrogen hormones get low then it stops the regular periods and causes menopause.

It mostly occurs in women who are in their 40s or 50s. Hormone replacement therapy helps to restore hormones level while reducing the menopausal symptoms which is caused by hormonal imbalance

Which Symptoms Can be Treated With HRT?

Menopause causes some symptoms in females, which are mentioned below:

• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Leaking Pee
• Night Sweats
• Skin aging
• Painful intercourse
• Mood swings
• Sleeping disorder
• Irritability

Who Should Not Opt for Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Individuals should avoid this therapy if they have some medical conditions and these are mentioned below:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Cancer in the uterus, breast, and ovaries
• Vaginal Bleeding
• High Blood Pressure
• Suspected Pregnancy
• Blood Clots
• Liver Disease

What Are the Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy?

HRT helps to reduce the symptoms of menopause. However, this therapy carries risks.

• There are more chances to develop dementia at a young age.
• It causes the formation of blood clots.
• Increase the risk of stroke.
• Risk of developing breast cancer and endometrial cancer.

Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Low level of hormone production and shrink ovaries can be treated with HRT therapy. It helps to balance these hormones and it can be done in the the following ways:

Diagnosis

Symptoms of menopause can be diagnosed by determining the level of hormones. It is advised by a doctor to run a blood test. It will also detect whether you are experiencing it at a young age or an older age.

Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Doctor will decide which one will be best for you. It depends on the person’s medical condition and severity. There are two types of HRT and these are given below:-

1. Combined HRT

It is a combination therapy in which the dose of progesterone, progestin and estrogen hormone are used. This therapy helps to increase the level of sex hormones to treat hot flashes and mood swings. Also, it is helpful to reduce the weakening of bones. A person who is postmenopausal and has not had periods for a year experiences this.

It is advised for women who have uterus and it also lowers the risk of cancer in the lining of the uterus. It is available in the forms of skin patch, pills and intrauterine device which will be inserted into vagina by a doctor.

2. Estrogen HRT

This therapy can be used to balance the level of estrogen in the body by replacing the hormone. It can be used by women who do not have uterus or it has been removed through surgery. It comes in various forms, like pills, patches, cream, spray, gel and vaginal ring.

Ways to Take HRT

• Systemic Hormone Therapy: It helps to decrease the symptoms, such as night sweats, vaginal dryness and prevents bone problem. It comes in the forms of gels, patches, pills, and sprays. These get absorbed into your bloodstream and travel throughout the body.
• Local Hormone Therapy: It targets the specific area and it is helpful to minimize vaginal dryness. It is done by using rings, tablets and vaginal creams.

Administration

It starts with a minimum and effective dose to get rid of menopausal symptoms. Dose can be increased in those individuals who lose estrogen before age 40. It can be administered in the following ways:

• Estrogen-Only Therapy: In this therapy, you can use its product daily and your doctor will schedule its time and duration.
• Combined Therapy: It is of 2 types, which are mentioned below:

1. Continuous-Combined Therapy: You can take both progesterone and estrogen every month without a break.
2. Cyclic Therapy: If you have irregular periods then estrogen can be taken each day. However, progesterone is only for 12 to 15 days in a month.