Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that replaces hormones when the body is not making enough on its own. It is mostly used to treat symptoms of menopause in women. HRT can help relieve hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and sleep problems. It also helps prevent osteoporosis.
HRT adds or balances hormones that are low or missing in a woman's body. The main types of hormones used are estrogen and progesterone. Sometimes testosterone is also used, especially in women who have had their ovaries removed. HRT therapy can be given as pills, skin patches, gels, creams, vaginal rings, or injections. The therapy typically starts around the time of menopause.
Benefits of HRT:
- Relieves hot flashes and night sweats
- Helps vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
- Reduces fracture risk to prevent osteoporosis
- Reduces risk of colon cancer
- May help mood and memory issues
- May help prevent heart disease when HRT starts early
Risks and side effects:
While HRT has benefits, it also has potential health risks. These include:
- Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke
- Higher likelihood of breast cancer and cancer recurrence
- Increased risk of dementia if HRT is started after age 65
- Side effects like breast tenderness, bloating, nausea
Who should take HRT?
HRT may benefit women under 60 years old who have:
- Debilitating menopause symptoms, like severe hot flashes
- High risk of osteoporosis or bone fractures
- Need relief from vaginal or urinary symptoms
HRT is generally
not recommended for women who:
- Have a history of blood clots, heart disease, liver disease, breast or uterine cancer
- Have vaginal bleeding without a known cause
When to start and stop HRT
- The best time to start HRT is within 5 years of last period or under age 60
- If you start HRT over age 60, use the lowest dose that helps symptoms
- Most women who take HRT stop treatment between ages 50-59
Types of HRT
There are a few main types of HRT:
- Estrogen therapy (ET) – estrogen alone
- Progestogen therapy – progesterone alone
- Combined HRT – estrogen progesterone
The type of HRT depends on whether a woman has had her uterus removed (hysterectomy). Women without uteruses can take estrogen alone. Those with uteruses need progesterone to balance estrogen to prevent uterine cancer.
Forms of Estrogen Hormones Used
- Estradiol – most common; identical to estrogen women make
- Conjugated Equine Estrogens (CEE) – made from urine of pregnant horses
- Synthetic estrogens – made in lab to mimic estradiol
Forms of Progesterone Hormones Used
- Progesterone – identical to what body makes
- Progestins – synthetic progesterones
Delivery Methods for HRT
There are several ways to take HRT, including:
- Oral – swallowed as pills
- Topical patches – patches worn on skin to deliver estrogen/progesterone
- Vaginal creams, tablets – inserted directly in vagina
- Vaginal ring – flexible ring that is inserted into vagina
- Injections – shots given by a doctor
The decision about which type of HRT to use is personalized based on the woman’s health history, symptoms, lifestyle, personal preferences, and advice from her doctor.
Vitality Renewal Clinic offers customized HRT treatment plans to help women relieve their menopause symptoms and take back control of their lives. Their caring doctors and nurse practitioners take time to listen and find the right therapy for your unique needs. Vitality Renewal Clinic uses cutting edge bioidentical hormones tailored to your body rather than one-size-fits all approaches. Contact them today for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
