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Written by
Stacy Miller
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women is a treatment that supplements or replaces declining hormone levels. Typically, HRT is given to manage menopausal symptoms, like vaginal dryness, hot flashes, decreased sex drive, and mood swings. Doctors prescribe HRT for menopause to replenish estrogen levels, which can decrease symptoms and provide relief. The role of progesterone in HRT is primarily to protect the inner uterine lining from excessive growth.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women is a treatment that supplements or replaces declining hormone levels. Typically, HRT is given to manage menopausal symptoms, like vaginal dryness, hot flashes, decreased sex drive, and mood swings. Doctors prescribe HRT for menopause to replenish estrogen levels, which can decrease symptoms and provide relief. The role of progesterone in HRT is primarily to protect the inner uterine lining from excessive growth.
Hormone replacement therapy replaces ovarian hormones that naturally diminish during the transition into menopause. A common treatment for menopause, it’s typically an estrogen medication, sometimes combined with progesterone, which are reproductive hormones that play a vital role in a woman’s overall health. As estrogen levels are replenished, it reduces or eliminates many common menopausal symptoms. Many women wonder, “Is HRT right for me?” It’s important to speak to your doctor to discuss your symptoms and medical history and create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Before starting hormone replacement therapy for menopause, one common question is whether it’s safe to use. The great news is that for the vast majority of women, HRT is very safe. While there are potential side effects like many prescription medications, there are also many benefits, which we’ll discuss further below.
Hormonas know what a large role hormones play in keeping our bodies happy and healthy, so if you believe they’re out of whack, it can be a bit scary. If you’re experiencing symptoms of menopause, you may be wondering, “Do I need hormone replacement therapy?” What are the signs that you need hormone replacement therapy? In general, a good way to know if you may need HRT is by monitoring your menopausal symptoms. If they’re interfering with your daily life, you may be a prime candidate for this helpful treatment. Symptoms that can be improved with hormone replacement therapy include:
Hot flashes cause sudden warmth in the neck, chest, and face, along with rapid heartbeat, reddening, and sweating.
Night sweats, which are hot flashes that happen at night, can interrupt sleep and leave you drenched in sweat.
Bone loss or osteoporosis weakens bones and puts you at an increased risk for fractures and breaks.
This includes unusual mood swings, irritability, or feeling upset over things that normally wouldn’t bother you.
Hormonal imbalances can cause vaginal dryness, which can lead to painful sex and decreased libido.
Sleep issues can include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to fatigue.
One sign of low estrogen levels is hair thinning and loss.
Knowing when to start HRT can be tricky since the appearance of menopausal symptoms is unique in every woman. Generally, it’s best to start hormone replacement therapy within ten years of menopause or before the age of 60. For younger women, you can start HRT in perimenopause if you begin experiencing symptoms. It’s important to remember that there are numerous factors that can impact your hormone levels, so it’s best to talk to your doctor about if and when you need hormone replacement therapy.
There are many benefits of hormone replacement therapy for the entire body. While many women see a significant improvement with HRT before and after menopause since it helps control mood swings, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms, there are additional advantages to be aware of. HRT is known to aid in the prevention of osteoporosis since it reduces and slows bone mass loss and can decrease the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It also boosts sex drive since it replenishes estrogen levels, a key reproductive hormone.
When it comes to the risks female patients may experience before and after hormone replacement therapy, their lifestyle and medical history can have a big impact. Some of the top risks to be aware of include:
When deciding if HRT is right for you, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
As we discussed earlier, most women start hormone replacement therapy before they turn 60 or within ten years of experiencing menopausal symptoms. If you begin treatment more than ten years post menopause, it can increase your risk of health conditions.
The type of hormone replacement therapy you take depends on whether you still have your uterus and your menopausal status. The most common treatments include the following.
Estrogen-only HRT – Estrogen-only HRT is required for women who have had a hysterectomy.
Estrogen and progesterone – For women who have a uterus, progesterone is required to prevent the inner lining from becoming thick.
Daily – Estrogen-only HRT is commonly administered daily.
Continuous combined HRT – If you haven’t had your period for more than a year and are postmenopausal, continuous combined HRT, which has estrogen and progestogen, is a good option.
Sequential HRT – Sequential HRT is for perimenopausal women who still get their periods. It contains progestogen and estrogen and is only available in monthly or 3-month supplies. With this treatment, you stop taking progestogen for specified periods of time while continuing estrogen.
For women at risk of deep vein thrombosis or DVT, transdermal estrogen, which comes in gels, sprays, or patches, is a safer option. Since it’s absorbed by your blood vessels, it won’t increase your risk of developing DVT like traditional tablet estrogen.
There are different dosages of HRT depending on the type of treatment you choose, ranging from ultra-low to high. Many women wonder, “How do I know if I need a higher dose of HRT?” Working with your doctor, you can determine if your current dose lessens your menopausal symptoms and adjust it accordingly. Most women will start with a low dose and increase it if necessary.
How do you know if you need hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? The key is knowing the signs and working with your doctor to develop an effective treatment plan. Menopause isn’t fun, and it can disrupt your daily life. Fortunately, hormone replacement therapy helps you manage symptoms so you can feel better and get back to what really matters. The Hormona app is proud to provide women with an easy way to monitor their hormone health. This award-winning app gives you the tools and insights to understand your body so you can feel your best!
What are the first signs that HRT is working?
You’ll know your HRT is working when you begin to sleep better, have an improved mood, and your libido returns. You may also experience dry skin and more bruising within the first couple of weeks.
Is it better to go through menopause without HRT?
There is no right or wrong when it comes to taking HRT during menopause. It all depends on your symptom severity and whether the treatment can improve your daily life.
Is it okay to stay on HRT for life?
While it’s possible to stay on HRT for life, whether it’s okay or not is up to your individual needs and overall health. The risks of taking HRT increase as you age, so keep that in mind.
Do you age slower with HRT?
Interestingly, yes, HRT can slow aging. Studies show an impact on both biological and cellular aging, along with benefits like delaying bone density loss.
How do I know when to come off HRT?
Once your menopausal symptoms are manageable, you can usually stop taking HRT. It usually takes 2 to 5 years for this to occur, and it’s important to talk to your doctor before you stop any treatment plan.
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Dr Singh is the Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center. His research and clinical practice focuses on the myriad of sleep.
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