Hormone Replacement Therapy For Women

For many years, medical experts are recommending hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and minimizing the risks of heart disease and osteoporosis.

There has been a lot of studies conducted to check how effective HRT for menopause is, and the majority have shown positive results.

Like many, you might have the question “is it right for me to visit one of the women hormone replacement therapy clinics?” Read along to find out why HRT is necessary for patients with menopause, how long the HRT treatment last and more.

Table of Contents

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy For Women?

Hormone replacement therapy is effective for boosting natural hormone levels. It can be either—estrogen-only therapy (for women who have had surgical menopause) or estrogen with progesterone therapy (for ladies who experience menopause naturally).

HRT is helpful in processing calcium (which is necessary for the strengthening of bones), and beneficial for vaginal health and maintaining optimal cholesterol levels.

Why HRT For Women?

Hormones perform various functions for women; such as managing mood, sexual desire, energy levels, etc. As women age, the production of natural estrogen and progesterone levels start to decline. This results in symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, mood swings, low energy & fatigue, difficulty concentrating, reduced sexual desire, etc.

Hormone replacement therapy for women can help patients reduce menopausal symptoms, thus improving their quality of lives.

How Long The HRT Treatment Last?

In the United States, the average age for women to experience menopausal symptoms is 51. In many patients, the symptoms last for two to three years, and it’s time to consider hormone replacement therapy.

However, there’s no hard and fast rule for this; some women experience menopausal symptoms one or two years early than the average age. So, a woman can go for HRT whenever she reaches menopause.

Some expert doctors suggest that low-dose HRT treatment is the best way to reap the maximum benefits along with reducing the risks of heart disease and breast cancer as described by the Women Health study. Usually, it lasts for up to five years.

Usually, hormones for menopause treatment are supplied to the body through skin patches, pills, etc. But, it’s hard to say whether different forms of HRT can lessen the risks of the therapy.

Who Needs Hormone Replacement Therapy For Women?

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), HRT should be given to patients with moderate to severe menopausal symptoms.

Estrogen-only therapy provides the ultimate relief from hot flashes, low sexual desire, and vaginal dryness. Additionally, it’s effective for reducing the symptoms that are not recognized, such as joint pain, mood swings, stiffness, difficulty sleeping.

Risks Associated With HRT

There’re several risks related to hormone replacement therapy for women, such as-

Breast tenderness
Bloating
Cramping
Headaches
Vaginal bleeding
Obesity
Swelling of feet and lower legs
Nausea

Many patients report that most of the HRT side-effects disappear over time as their bodies adjust to taking the treatment. Also, these risks can also be minimized by changing the amount of dose and timing of the dose.

Some experts believe that eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help cut the risks of HRT.

The bottom line is—hormone replacement therapy can help women reverse the menopausal symptoms. At the same time, it is necessary not to ignore the risks associated with the therapy. Take into account your age, medical history, and risks before getting the hormone replacement therapy for women, and also talk to a certified doctor from HRT clinic in Santa Ana for expert advice.