Hormone Replacement Therapy (Hrt)

Although doctors once thought that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) both relieved these symptoms and protected the body from a variety of diseases, recent research has forced them to take another look.

HRT AT AN EARLIER AGE

According to research by the North American Menopause Society, a leading group of menopause experts, you may be at greater risk of heart attack or stroke if you start using HRT at age 60 or above for the first time.

However, if you being HRT earlier, during perimenopause to relieve hot flashes, night sweats or other menopausal symptoms, you may have the same or even a lower risk of heart-related complications as a woman not taking HRT.

Further, HRT is the most effective way to treat vaginal symptoms, such as dryness and related discomfort with sex. You may also wish to talk with your doctor about HRT’s role in the prevention of bone loss, mental slowing (dementia) and colon cancer. A thorough discussion with your doctor about your symptoms and individual risks and understanding about the benefits and risks of the different hormonal formulations available is crucial before you start any HRT.

WHAT TO EXPECT

If you have your uterus, you will initially take both estrogen, for treatment of menopausal symptoms, and progestogen to protect from uterine cancer. You will have period-like bleeds, although not necessarily every month, depending on the HRT formulation. If you have had a hysterectomy, you can receive estrogen only. You may need to try delivery systems and dosages to find the one that suits you. if you have vaginal dryness alone, you may want to consider vaginal estrogen therapies, which come in the form of creams, suppositories, or a ring. If you don’t notice a different, discuss further options with your doctor.

WHO SHOULDN’T TAKE HRT?

HRT may not be suitable for anyone who has had breast or uterine cancer, heart disease or deep-vein blood clots. A gynecologist will want to ensure that a woman with factors such as being overweight, hypertension, diabetes, gallstones, fibroids, endometriosis, breast problems or osteoporosis caused by long-term use of steroids receives appropriate counseling about HRT. If you are unable to take HRT, there are non-hormonal alternatives that may provide some symptom relief.

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