What you need to know about HRT

Hormone replacement therapy is used to help balance estrogen and progesterone in women around the time of menopause.

Also known as hormone therapy (HT) or menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help relieve sweating, hot flashes, and other symptoms of menopause. It can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Some types of HRT contain both progesterone and estrogen, some only estrogen, and sometimes testosterone is used.

Hormone replacement treatments are also used in male hormonal therapy and treatment for individuals who undergo a sex change.

This article focuses on HRT as a way of relieving symptoms in women around the time of menopause.

Fast facts on hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Here are some key points about HRT. More detail is in the main article.

·     Hormone replacement therapy is an effective way to relieve symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

·     It can reduce the incidence and severity of hot flashes, and also the risk of osteoporosis.

·     Past studies have suggested a link with cancer, but this is still being investigated.

·     It may help keep skin young, but it cannot reverse or delay the overall effects of aging.

·     Any woman who is considering HRT should talk to a physician who knows her medical history.

Uses

Progesterone and estrogen are important hormones in a woman's reproductive system.

Estrogen stimulates the release of eggs, and progesterone prepares the womb for egg implantation.

As a natural part of the life process, the supply of eggs diminishes over time. As the number of eggs falls, so does estrogen production.

Most women will start to experience these changes in hormone levels during their late 40s. This can lead to hot flashes and other problems.

perimenopauseFor some time, a woman will continue to menstruate, although the changes are happening. This is called perimenopause. It can last from 3 to 10 years. Average duration is 4 years.

MenopauseWhen the last period occurs, at an average age of 51 years, the woman is in menopause.

Postmenopause: One full year after the last period, menopause ends, and the woman enters the postmenopausal stage. Symptoms normally decline within 2 to 5 years, but it can take 10 years or more.

The increased risk of osteoporosis continues after menopause.

Apart from the natural aging process, menopause can be triggered by a hysterectomy that includes removal of the ovaries, or cancer treatment.

Smoking can also speed up the arrival of menopause.

Effects of menopause

Changing hormone levels can cause severe discomfort and some health risks.

The following may occur:

·         vaginal dryness

·         bone thinning, or osteoporosis

·         urinary problems

·         thinning hair

·         sleep problems

·         hot flashes and night sweats

·         moodiness

·         lower fertility

·         irregular periods

·         concentration and memory difficulties

·         smaller breasts and an accumulation of fat in the abdomen

HRT can bring some relief.

Source: Medical News Today