As women age, the ability of the ovary to produce hormones estrogen and progesterone which regulate our monthly cycle naturally decreases and stops over time.
This is also known as the menopausal stage. This usually happens around ages the 40s to 50s.
When this occurs, women tend to experience various menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness.
One way to treat menopausal symptoms is through hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Hormone replacement therapy focuses on replacing the estrogen that the body stops producing. Other than regulating hormones, this therapy is also approved to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
In this article, we will dive deep and learn more about hormone therapy, its benefits, and its potential health risks if there are any.
Keep reading to learn more about it.
Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy
There are two basic types of Hormone therapy, this includes:
Estrogen-only Therapy
This is usually prescribed to women that have undergone hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). This treats the most menopausal symptoms.
Estrogen Plus Progesterone Therapy
This is usually prescribed to women who haven’t had their uterus removed.
Progesterone is being added to protect women with a uterus against the risk of endometrial cancer.
This is because when estrogen levels are not balanced by progesterone, it can stimulate the growth of the uterus lining, which may cause uterine cancer.
Benefits You’ll Get With Hormone Therapy
- Helps relieve moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats.
- Alleviate vaginal symptoms of menopause such as itching and dryness.
- Ease pain and discomfort during intercourse
- Prevents bone loss or fractures
The most effective treatment for these symptoms remains to be systemic estrogen therapy.
Women have a high risk of developing a bone-thinning disease called osteoporosis during the perimenopausal or menopausal stage. Estrogen therapy can help decrease this risk.
These benefits can help improve your sleep, sexual relationship, and quality of life.
Are There Any Risks in Menopausal Hormone Therapy?
The Women’s Health Initiative findings in 2002 (WHI) have shown that HRT that consists of estrogen-progestin pill (Prempro) could slightly increase:
- Risk of heart disease
- Risk of Breast cancer
- Stroke
- Blood clots
However, potential risks may vary depending on different factors such as:
- Age – Women who begin hormone therapy at age 60 or older have a greater risk, but benefits may outweigh the risks if they have started before the age of 60.
- Health condition – Family history and your individual health risks are important in assessing whether hormone therapy is for you.
- Types of Hormone Therapy – the risk depends on the dosage, types of hormone, and the amount of time you are taking the medication. HRT is recommended to be taken for the shortest time possible at the lowest effective dosage to minimize health risks.
In the end, It is important to ask your doctor when deciding if hormone therapy is best for you.
Ways On How To Reduce Risk of Hormone Therapy
It is best to consult your doctor to discuss these approaches:
- Find the best product that will suit you.
- Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest amount of time.
- Consult your doctor regularly for follow up checkups
- Get regular mammograms and pelvic exams
- Best to take estrogen with progesterone if you still have a uterus.
- Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Prescott Medical Aesthetics is Committed to Providing Top-Notch Hormone Imbalance Solutions in Prescott, AZ!
HRT has been beneficial to many women in alleviating and treating menopausal symptoms. However, it’s important to understand both the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy.
For best results, it is best to discuss them with your trusted doctors to make sure that the benefits will outweigh the risks!
We at Prescott Medical Aesthetics, have the best team of licensed and professional women’s health doctors that are dedicated and committed to providing the best service for women’s overall health and wellness
Contact us and schedule an appointment with us today! We will be happy to assess the best plans suitable for you!
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