Menopause can trigger a number of changes in a woman’s body, and the symptoms can be confusing. For some women, menopausal symptoms are mild and don’t require any attention, but in other cases, medical intervention might be necessary. In this post, we are discussing hormone replacement therapy, also called hormone therapy, and aspects that matter.
What exactly is hormone replacement therapy?
Pre and post-menopausal symptoms can include hot flashes, sleep disorders, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and even stress and anxiety. Most of it happens because of reduction in estrogen levels. HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, aims to replenish missing hormones by using additional hormones, which can be delivered into the body through creams, gels, pills, injections and vaginal inserts. There are two kinds of hormones that are used for HRT. The first one is bioidentical hormones, which are plant-derived and are molecularly similar to hormones produced by the body, while synthetic hormones are manufactured in a lab. Many doctors prefer bioidentical hormones over other options because these are considered to be safer for HRT, although more evidence is required in this regard.
Am I an ideal candidate for hormone replacement therapy?
Your first appointment with the doctor is going to be important for deciding on HRT. If you have blood clots or a history of breast or endometrial cancer, HRT is not for you. It is also not recommended for women who have liver and heart diseases or had a heart attack in the past. The treatment plan is entire customized and is dependent on several factors. Typically, a bunch of tests will be recommended before HRT is considered, and your doctor will explain if and why you should not consider this as an option.
Are there any side effects?
While hormone replacement therapy is generally considered to be safe for most women, there can be side effects like headaches, bloating and breast tenderness. In rare cases, HRT can cause vaginal bleeding. Always understand the pros and cons of HRT before you consider the treatment. Also, the side effects can be minimized and reduced at the hands of an experienced doctor, select a clinic that offers the maximum information.
Before you ask, hormone replacement therapy is not covered under insurance in general, so ask about the costs in detail. Considering the advantages, it is definitely worth paying for, especially if you don’t want hormones to rule the way you enjoy your life after menopause.
