Menopause is a time when many complain that they do not understand their bodies so well anymore. It can come with uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Your healthcare provider may have suggested hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as an option to relieve menopausal symptoms. But before you choose that option, you need to decide if it is the right one for you. For instance, what are the side effects and risks that are associated with HRT?
Well, this post will sort things out as it explains hormone replacement therapy and weighs the benefits and risks of taking it. You can also learn the factors to consider as you make your choice.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Hormone replacement therapy is also referred to as HRT and it is a treatment option that helps people with menopausal symptoms. The period of transition to menopause can come with uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and vaginal dryness.
This is because the ovaries no longer produce adequate levels of estrogen. Healthcare providers can therefore use HRT to help replace the hormones that the body does not produce enough of.
Thus, after taking HRT, your hormone levels begin to rise, and you start finding relief from menopausal symptoms. At the same time, HRT can help address conditions of bone loss (osteoporosis and osteopenia) that arise due to inadequate levels of estrogen.
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Types of HRT
There are two major types of HRT: estrogen therapy and combination therapy (estrogen and progesterone). You need to discuss with your healthcare provider before choosing what type of HRT to take. The right decision can depend on your symptoms and medical history.
- Estrogen Therapy: Here, you will take a low dose of estrogen for a start. It may be in the form of pills that you swallow, a patch on your skin, a skin gel, a vaginal tablet, a vaginal cream, or a spray on your arm.
- Combination Therapy: This therapy involves taking combined doses of estrogen and progesterone. The progesterone may be progestin or even a synthetic hormone. Progestins can help reduce risks such as the risk of uterine cancer that mere estrogen therapy fails to address. The forms of combination therapy include pills, skin patches, and IUDs (Intrauterine devices).
Weighing the Benefits and Risks of Taking HRT
Recent research reveals that HRT poses low risks of serious side effects and the benefits of HRT can outweigh attendant risks for most women. However, you and your healthcare provider do need to consider your medical history, age, menopause symptoms, the type of HRT, and other risk factors.
For example, the benefits of HRT may outweigh the risks if you’re less than 60 years old, do not have a high risk of blood clots or breast cancer, and have menopause symptoms.
Benefits of HRT
Now let’s consider some benefits of taking HRT
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Relieving Symptoms of Menopause
This is a main benefit of taking HRT because it helps to relieve menopause symptoms that include sleep problems, low mood, hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Your symptoms are likely to improve after a few days or weeks. However, you may need to allow enough time (up to three months) for certain symptoms.
Preventing Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common menopause symptom because low levels of oestrogen can lead to the thinning of the bones. HRT can then help to prevent osteoporosis and reduce risks of fracture by increasing oestrogen levels.
Improving Muscle Strength
Another common symptom of menopause is the loss of muscle strength. In such cases, you can take HRT to help your muscles maintain strength. You can do this in addition to exercising.
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Risks of HRT
The possible risks of HRT include the following:
Breast Cancer
Taking combined synthetic HRT, which includes oestrogen and progestogen can lead to a small risk of developing breast cancer. However, this risk is typically higher for overweight women who fail to exercise and who drink moderate amounts of alcohol.
However, the intake of oestrogen-only HRT poses little or no increase in the risk of developing breast cancer. Most importantly, remember to keep all breast screening (mammogram) appointments if you know you’re taking HRT.
Blood Clots
The intake of HRT tablets is associated with a low increase in the risk of blood clots. Meanwhile, the absorption of oestrogen into the body is safer when it is through your skin. This is why using HRT patches, sprays, and gels do not lead to an increase in the risk of blood clots.
Stroke
If you’re under 60 years old and stick to the use of HRT patches, gel, or spray, you’re less likely to have an increased risk of stroke. Meanwhile, using HRT tablets can increase the risk of stroke but only very slightly.
How to Reduce Risks of HRT
Ways to lower the risks of HRT include the following:
- Begin HRT within 10 years of menopause or before you get to age 60.
- Always choose the best HRT that meets your needs. Your health provider can help you find a therapy that carries minimum risk.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle that incorporates exercise, healthy weight maintenance, and good management of chronic conditions.
- Keep regular appointments for gynecological exams and mammograms.
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Side Effects of HRT
Hormone replacement therapy may lead to the following side effects:
- Tenderness in the breast
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Bloating
When to Avoid HRT
Your healthcare provider may advise you to avoid HRT in the following situations:
- If you’re experiencing vaginal bleeding
- When you have a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, stroke, or heart attack.
- If you are pregnant.
- When you have gallbladder or liver disease
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For or Against Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): The Verdict
In summary, know that you may have a personal decision to make if you’re experiencing menopause symptoms and it’s telling on your quality of life. You have to discuss with your healthcare provider and understand the benefits and risks involved. Feel free to ask questions, discuss the types and forms, their pros and cons, and risks that may arise due to your age, symptoms, or health history. If you do conclude that HRT isn’t right for you, you can consider other treatment options as recommended by your provider.
Remember, your health and well-being should always be paramount. Don’t hesitate to seek more information and support.
