What Advantages Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Offer?
HRT could:
a. Alleviate night sweats and hot flashes (vasomotor symptoms)
b. Aid in improving your sleep
c. Reduce irritation and dryness in the vagina.
d. Reduce the agony of having sex
e. Assist in preventing osteoporosis-related fractures (thinning bones)
d. Reduce the likelihood of heart disease in some women
e. Reduce the likelihood of dementia.
What Dangers Do Hormone Replacement Therapy Involve?
Studies have indicated that for numerous women, the advantages may outweigh the hazards. Yet, HRT may still increase your likelihood of:
a. Endometrial cancer
b. Blood clots
c. Stroke
d. Breast cancer
Problems might be less likely to arise if you:
a. Take HRT no later than ten years after menopause or before sixty years of age.
b. Use the shortest amount of time and lowest dose that suits you.
c. Take progestin or progesterone if your uterus is still intact.
d. Inquire about HRT alternatives to tablets, such as vaginal creams, suppositories, patches, gels, mists, and rings.
e. Schedule routine pelvic examinations and mammograms.
For whom is Hormone Replacement Therapy Not Appropriate?
HRT may be best avoided if you have any of the following conditions:
a. Blood clots
b. Cancer (such as breast, uterine, or ovarian)
c. Heart, liver, or gallbladder disease
d. Heart attack
e. Known or suspected pregnancy
f. Stroke
g. Unexplained vaginal bleeding
h. Smoker: Doctor may encourage you to stop before prescribing HRT.
What Adverse Reactions Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Cause?
There are side effects to HRT. If any of these apply to you, give your doctor a call.
Breast swelling or tenderness
Bloating
Headaches
Mood changes
Nausea
Vaginal bleeding
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy the Correct Option for Me? How Can I Tell?
Based on your medical history, the severity of your symptoms, and other factors, your doctor can help you assess the benefits and drawbacks and make recommendations.
These are some inquiries to make:
a. Does this mean I shouldn't use HRT because of my medical history?
b. Do you believe it could alleviate my symptoms, particularly my vasomotor symptoms, hot flashes, and sleep problems that may be related to night sweats?
c. Are there any remedies for vaginal dryness that I should think about? (For example, vaginal moisturisers may aid with vaginal dryness.)
d. Do you believe my HRT will cause any negative effects? (Remember to let your doctor know if you have any problems with birth control tablets.)
e. Is my medical history as a family member a plus or minus for HRT eligibility? HRT can help reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis if your mother had it. But you should discuss that with your doctor if your mother had breast cancer.)
f. Which kind of HRT would work best for me?