Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Treatment for menopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). As you near the menopause phase, this therapy can replace your hormones that are at a lower level.
Hormone replacement therapy advantages
The primary advantage of HRT is that it can relieve most menopausal symptoms.
The symptoms include;
- A hot flush
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Dryness of the vagina
- Less sex drive
Many of these symptoms go away after a few years, but they can be uncomfortable, and for many women, taking HRT might provide relief.
Additionally, it can aid in preventing osteoporosis, a bone-weakening condition that becomes more prevalent after menopause.
Who can use hormone replacement therapy?
If a woman is experiencing menopausal symptoms, she can typically get HRT.
But HRT might not be a good choice if you:
- Own history of womb, breast, or ovarian cancer
- Possess a background of blood clots
- Have untreated high blood pressure
- Have a liver disease
- You are pregnant
Types
Finding the proper type of HRT for you can be challenging because so many are available.
There are various:
- HRT hormones: Most women take a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestogen, while those without wombs can take estrogen alone
- Forms of taking HRT include tablets, skin patches, gels, vaginal creams, pessaries, or rings
- HRT treatment regimens: HRT medication may be taken continuously or in cycles where you take estrogen continuously but just progestogen every few weeks.
Your doctor can offer guidance to help you determine which kind is best for you.
How to begin hormone replacement therapy?
If you’re interested in beginning HRT, talk to a doctor.
When menopausal symptoms first appear, you can typically start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) without undergoing any testing.
Usually, you’ll start with a modest dose, which may increase. The effects of the treatment might not become apparent for a few weeks, and there might be some side effects at first.
A doctor advises trying the medication for three months to determine if it works. If it doesn’t, they might suggest adjusting your dosage or switching the kind of HRT you’re using.
Side effects
HRT may result in side effects, just like other medications. However, they often disappear three months after treatment begins.
Typical adverse effects include:
- Breast discomfort
- Headaches
- Feeling ill
- Indigestion
- An ache in the abdomen
- Vaginal bleeding
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022