Hormone replacement therapy is a medical remedy used to replace falling levels of progesterone and estrogen hormones in women. When a woman is nearing menopause, this treatment is used to relieve the symptoms. Further, this therapy is used to remedy specific conditions such as bone loss, usually caused by the mentioned hormones’ declining levels.
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There are two Common Types of HRT
- ET (Estrogen Therapy); this is where estrogen is taken solely in the form of pills, patches, gels, creams, and sprays.
- Combination therapy (Estrogen Progesterone Therapy): as the name suggests, it combines both estrogen and progesterone doses.
HRT treatment is, however, not for everyone. Not every woman nearing menopause needs it. However, some severe symptoms need this treatment to relieve the pain. Furthermore, other conditions caused by insufficient hormone production in the body may also be treated by this therapy.
As mentioned earlier, not every woman needs this therapy. But if you are experiencing the following symptoms, seek medical assistance:
- Vaginal dryness
- Itching or a burning sensation during sex
- Declined sex drive
- Rapid mood swings
- Sleeping problems
- Night sweats
If you are considering having HRT, then here are some benefits you might obtain:
Studies have Proven that HRT may help Relieve night Sweats.
A night sweat is a condition where the patient sweats excessively at night. One cause of night sweats is menopause. However, it would help if you always went for a check to ensure that you are not suffering from other infections or neurological conditions that may also cause night sweats.
Ensure your bedroom is well ventilated because poor air circulation may cause this condition.
Help with Vaginal Dryness and Itching During Intercourse.
The hormone estrogen helps to lubricate the vaginal walls and maintains them elastic, healthy, and thick. However, as you approach menopause, there is a drop in this hormone production. Therefore, you will start experiencing dryness of the vagina, and subsequently, itching will follow.
As much as it may seem like a minor problem at first, it can have a significant repercussion on your sex life.
Improve the Quality of your Sleep
Insomnia is a medical condition caused by several factors. Stress and depression are the leading causes. Other factors like drug and substance abuse may also factor in. However, hormonal imbalance may also cause insomnia in women. That is why hormone replacement therapy help alleviate this condition.
Prevent Fractures Caused by Thinning Bones
Bone loss, or osteoporosis, is a common condition in older women, resulting in bones becoming brittle.
The hormone estrogen reduces the loss of bone mineral density, thus drastically reducing the chances of sustaining a fracture.
Therefore, if you are fast approaching menopause, you might consider going for HRT to prevent fractures and other bone breakages.
Helps with Ovary Issues
The ovaries produce estrogen. Therefore, if they fail to produce this all-important hormone, you might be forced to go for HRT.
Further, if the hormone is not produced in sufficient quantities, you might suffer from a failure of your ovaries or a decline in the ovaries’ function. If such conditions are not detected early, you might be forced to remove both of your ovaries.
Luckily, HRT will help with the mentioned ovary issues.
HRT is not entirely comfortable. Some risks are associated with this treatment. They include:
- Risk of endometrial cancer – if the patient is taking progestin alongside estrogen, then the risks of contracting this type of cancer increase.
- Dementia – if the treatment is commenced after the patient has been in menopause for over a decade, then the risk of getting dementia increases. Scientists are still researching whether this treatment is beneficial for women above 50.
- Stroke and blood clots – Oral hormone replacement therapy has been associated with a significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism (thrombosis).
- Increased risk of gallstones.
Wrapping Up
hormone replacement therapy Orange County CA is a good treatment when administered to individuals approaching menopause. It may help relieve all the symptoms and discomfort caused by menopause and other hormonal issues. The treatment has significant benefits but some risks also.