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Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that involves supplementing or replacing hormones, typically estrogen and progesterone. It is a treatment used to help menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and more, and is a vital treatment in obgyn.
Oestrogen and progesterone are an essential part of period cycles, ovulation and pregnancy. They also keep your bones healthy. As you get older, the loss of these hormones can have a big effect on your body. To replace these hormones, you'll usually take a combination of oestrogen and progestogen.
Who can take Menopausal Hormone Therapy?
You can usually take HRT if you're having menopause symptoms, however, HRT may not be suitable if you have a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or womb cancer,, blood clots or untreated high blood pressure, or are pregnant. If this is the case, you may have to consider alternatives to HRT.
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Taking HRT
When you start taking hormone replacement therapy, you'll usually start with a low dose, which may be increased later. Your symptoms should improve after a few days or weeks.
After around 3 months, your doctor will usually recommend a review appointment. This is to see how well it's working. If everything is OK, you'll usually have 1 review a year.
If your symptoms do not improve or you get side effects, a doctor may suggest changing your dose or type of hormone replacement therapy, or refer you to a specialist.
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​Types of Hormone Therapy
There are many types of HRT, including different hormones and different ways to take or use it, such as tablets, patches or gel. Finding the right one for you can take some time. Our consultants can help you choose what type, method and treatment cycle is best for you.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Alternatives
If you're unable to take HRT or decide not to, you may want to consider other ways of controlling your menopause symptoms. These may include lifestyle changes, other medicines or herbal remedies. If you’re thinking about using alternatives to HRT, you should discuss this with your doctor, so you can make the right decision.
What Else Is Involved in Menopausal Care?
Menopausal care, which focuses on addressing the health needs and challenges that arise during the menopausal transition and beyond, offers several important benefits for women. During a well-woman menopausal exam, your health professional will discuss your medical history, menopausal symptoms, your levels of Estrogen, the benefits of hormone therapy and the effects of hormone therapy, your menstrual cycle, the age of menopause symptoms, and the level of hormone therapy you're comfortable with.
Here are some of the benefits of menopausal care:
Cardiovascular Health
Estrogen has a protective effect on cardiovascular health, and its decline during menopause increases the risk of heart disease. Menopausal care focuses on promoting cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and, if appropriate, considering medications or other interventions to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Pelvic Health
Estrogen has a protective effect on cardiovascular health, and its decline during menopause increases the risk of heart disease. Menopausal care focuses on promoting cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and, if appropriate, considering medications or other interventions to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Symptom Management
Menopause is accompanied by various symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and changes in libido. Menopausal care aims to help women manage and alleviate these symptoms through various treatment options. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal medications can provide relief from hot flashes and other bothersome symptoms, enhancing women's comfort and quality of life.
Education and Support
Menopausal care offers valuable education and support to women, helping them understand the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause. It provides information about the available treatment options, empowers women to make informed decisions about their health, and offers a supportive environment for discussing concerns and seeking guidance from healthcare providers.
Bone Health
During menopause, women experience a decline in estrogen levels, which can lead to a loss of bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Menopausal care includes assessing bone health through screenings such as bone density scans (DEXA) and providing guidance on lifestyle modifications, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing exercises, and, if necessary, medications to promote and maintain strong bones.
Emotional Wellbeing
Menopause can be accompanied by emotional and psychological changes, including mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Menopausal care includes addressing these challenges and providing support and resources to help women navigate this transitional period. Counseling, therapy, support groups, and medications can be beneficial in managing emotional well-being.
How Alium Health Can Help with Hormone Replacement Therapy
Alium Health offers total women's care. We focus on health and wellness for women and the issues they face during and after menopause. With a team at your side, our patient-centered approach to care addresses all aspects of your health. Our warm, supportive staff work hard to integrate physical and mental health into a care plan that maximizes success and minimizes stress.