Hormone replacement therapy is usedto balance progesterone and estrogen in women during menopause. Also called menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) or hormone therapy (HT), this can help to ease hot flashes,sweating and other symptoms of menopause. It can also reduce the risk for osteoporosis.Some kinds of HRT consist of estrogen and progesterone, some only estrogen, and sometimes testosterone can be used.
Hormone replacement treatments are commonly used in male hormonal therapy for individuals who need to perform a sex change. Go through this blogpost to find out more about HRT as an effective way to relieve symptoms in women at the time of menopause.
Estrogen and progesterone are important hormones in the reproductive system of a woman. Estrogen produces the release of eggs and progesterone prepares the womb for egg implantation.
Being a natural part of the process, the supply of eggs reduces over time. So, as the number of eggs fall, the production of estrogen will diminish too.
Most women begin experiencing some changes in the hormone levels during their late 40s which can cause hot flashes and other problems.
The increased risk of osteoporosis may even continue after menopause. Other thanthe natural aging process, menopause might be triggered by a hysterectomy that includes removal of ovaries or treatment of cancer. Smoking may speed up the arrival of menopause.
Changing hormone levels can be the reason for severe discomfort and health risks. The following may take place:
HRT had been used widely for lessening the symptoms of menopause and protecting against cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
However, its benefits had been questioned after two studies with data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) that had been published in 2002 and 2003. Certain findings have linked HRT to breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer.This has led many people to think again about the usage of HRT and so, it is less widely used.
According to studies, it has been found that the benefits of HRT might outweigh the risks,however there is still some kind of confusion. Other studies have suggested that it might:
So, HRT might not bedangerous for some women after all. Presently, it has been approved for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and to treat or prevent osteoporosis.
However, anyone who wants to useHRT,must be extremely careful and make an informed decision by discussing everything with theirgynae expert at the private gynaecology clinic in London who actually understands the risks of the individuals.
Since aging is a natural process, hormonal replacement therapy can protect against some changes that take place in women but cannot prevent all the aspects of aging.
HRT might not be suitable for women who have past record of:
The risk of breast cancer has risen if hormone replacement therapy is used for more than 5 years. The risk of blood-clotting or stroke problems is not high for women who are within 50 to 59 years.
It should not be used by women who are or may get pregnant.One fear about HRT is that women will gain weight often around menopause, but research has shown that this is not necessarily due to HRT.
Other reasons for weight gain during this time are a drop in physical activity, an increase in appetite due to a fall in estrogen and a redistribution of fat when the hormone levels change. By following a healthy diet and doing regular exercise, you can reduceweight gain.
Common kinds of HRT use different combinations and delivery of hormones.
The gynaecologist in London prescribes the lowest possible dosage for treating the symptoms. This may take some trial and error. Some ways to deliver HRT are the following:
When you do not require HRT anymore, you can stop using it gradually.
A woman who suffers fromperimenopause can use other ways to ease its symptoms.These include the following:
There are certain SSRI-type antidepressants that may treat hot flashes and the antihypertensive drug, clonidine can also be of great help.
Thus, hormone replacement therapy is considered to be an effective treatment for different symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating. However, women need to consult with the best gynaecologist in London and consider carefully before taking it.