Replacement Therapy Hormones, also called HRT, is a kind of treatment that aims to reduce the extent of menopause-related symptoms. When a woman reaches her 50s, her ovaries stop egg production, and she no longer gets her monthly periods. This means she can no longer have children naturally by conception.
Administration of the RTH
There are three main administration types, which are the use of tablets, patches, gels, and implants. It is vital to seek a doctor’s advice before deciding on the RTH to use, since, for better results, it may be advisable to use a combination of different RTH.
- Tablets – These are taken orally.
- Patches – These are slammed on the skin.
- Implants – These are surgically planted under the skin, on either the tummy or buttocks.
- Gel – It is applied to the skin for absorption.
HRT is currently the most effective solution for reducing the effects of menopause symptoms, and at the same time, preventing Osteoporosis.
Have you been considering HRT? Are you really the right candidate for the treatment, or is it just peer pressure from your age mates who seem to be warming up to the idea? This piece will guide you before approaching a specialized doctor for professional help.
Types of Hormone therapy
There are two main types of hormonal treatment, the first being Systematic hormone therapy, which comes in a pill and can be used to treat the early signs of menopause. The second type is the low-dose vaginal product, where creams are used to treat menopause symptoms associated with the vagina and urinary system.
When our bodies start changing, we often don’t know what is happening and what to do about it. Below are several pointers to show you when you should consider having Replacement Therapy hormones administered.
During perimenopause
When females get to their 40s, their estrogen and progesterone hormone levels start falling. Menstruation still occurs, and it is possible to conceive naturally. Menstruation becomes irregular, and as the woman heads to her mid and late 40s, she can start having flashes of tempers due to the reduction in hormone production.
You can consider having Replacement Therapy Hormones to regulate the hormonal levels and restore emotional balance.
During Menopause
Menopause is the change women go through, from the stage in life where they can reproduce, to the stage where it is impossible to conceive naturally.
During the menopause onset, you are likely to change both physical and psychological, leading to high emotions such as mood swings and vaginal dryness. This is because your body starts producing lower levels of Oestrogen and Progesterone, which help control these emotions. Hormone replacement hormone is used to restore the levels of the two hormones, leaving you feeling relieved.
Menopause comes with side effects, such as vaginal dryness, bone thinning, urinary problems, sleeplessness, mood changes, irregular periods, and lost concentration. These effects are controllable with the use of Replacement Therapy Hormones.
If you experience early menopause
Many factors can make you experience early menopause. These include:
- Removal of ovaries or uterus surgically.
- Cancer.
- Genetic factors.
- Excessive smoking
It is also possible that early menopause occurs naturally, without any medical or lifestyle trigger. In the case of early menopause, a doctor can prescribe the use of RTH.
If you have Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where a human’s bones have low density, making them fragile. Fragile bones are more likely to fracture even on low pressure. With the increase in age, especially among women, fractures of the hips, backbone, and wrists are more likely to occur. Osteoporosis is manageable by the use of Replacement hormone therapy, which restores the rigidity of the bone structure.
Who cannot use RTH?
Replacement hormone therapy should only be used after consulting your doctor. This is because it may have adverse effects on people, such as:
- People with a history of various cancerous diseases such as breast cancer.
- Those who have previous blood clots.
- A history of heart disease.
- Liver disease.
- High blood pressure.
It is notable that depending on the person receiving the RTH therapy, there is a likelihood of some side effects. These side effects are not similar for everyone, depending on factors such as age, type of therapy, and medical history.
These side effects include the following:
- Fluid retention.
- Swelling of the breasts.
- Headaches.
- Cases of depression.
- Muscle cramps.
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Back or abdominal pain.
Due to the complexity in the use of Replacement Therapy Hormones, it is advisable always to seek expert advice. Do you feel like you need therapy? Call us at (205) 352-9141. We are here to help you.