Doctors used to recommend hormone therapy routinely. This therapy would help women address their menopausal symptoms while protecting their long-term health. However, researchers found that certain health risks came with this therapy, so doctors must take care when offering this option. What should a woman know when deciding if this option is right for her needs?
Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy
When considering hormone replacement therapy, women must know that this medication contains female hormones. The hormones replace the estrogen their bodies stop making when they reach menopause. This therapy is used to address common symptoms seen with menopause, including hot flashes and vaginal issues. In addition, it reduces a woman’s risk of bone loss and fractures.
Therapy does come with some risks. The risks vary based on the type of hormone therapy, the dose, the length of treatment, and a woman’s health risks. The doctor must tailor the therapy to the patient and do regular assessments to ensure the benefits continue to outweigh the risks.
Hormone Therapy Options
Hormone replacement therapy is designed to replace the estrogen that the body discontinues making upon menopause. Women find their two basic types of estrogen therapy. Systemic therapy contains a high dose of estrogen that will be absorbed throughout the body. It typically comes in pill, cream, or gel form, although a woman may get a skin patch, ring, or spray. This therapy addresses all common symptoms of menopause.
Some women only experience vaginal symptoms. They benefit from a low dose of estrogen that comes in tablet cream or ring form. The body absorbs less estrogen, so this option is only used for women with limited vaginal and urinary concerns.
Women who still have their uterus receive estrogen with progesterone or progestin. The body needs both hormones to reduce the risk of growth in the lining of the uterus. This growth increases the woman’s risk of endometrial cancer. Women who have undergone a hysterectomy may not need progesterone or progestin. The doctor makes this determination.
Hormone Therapy Risks
Women who take an estrogen-progestin pill may be at higher risk of serious health issues. These health issues include heart disease and stroke. Blood clots and breast cancer are also concerns.
Doctors will consider the woman’s age and how long it has been since the onset of menopause when determining whether hormone therapy should be considered. The type of hormone therapy is of importance, as is the woman’s health history. For many women, the benefits outweigh the risks.
Who Benefits From Hormone Therapy?
Women with moderate to severe hot flashes benefit from this therapy, as do women who have other symptoms of menopause. Sexual relations will be comfortable once again when the woman begins this therapy. Females who are at risk of bone loss or fractures should talk to their doctor about hormone replacement therapy, and women who have experienced early menopause or struggle with estrogen deficiency should talk to the doctor about this treatment option.
Reducing the Risks
Women can reduce the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy by choosing the appropriate delivery method and product. They should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible and see their doctor regularly to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks. Healthy lifestyle choices will also help a woman reduce the risks of this treatment.
Hormone replacement therapy comes with benefits and drawbacks. Every woman must talk with her doctor to determine whether this option is good. If the doctor finds a woman would not benefit from hormone replacement therapy or the risks outweigh the benefits, other options can be considered. No woman should struggle through menopause alone when help is available if they know where to turn.
