Hormone replacement therapy, also known as HRT, involves the use of medication containing one or more hormones to help people with the symptoms of menopause. During menopause, the body stops creating estrogen, which can lead to hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, insomnia, and more.

This treatment may also be known as hormone therapy (HT) when given to women over 50, although not all forms of HT are directly related to menopause.

HRT can have many benefits for people battling with uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, but it may not be right for everyone. Understanding the various benefits and drawbacks can help you determine whether or not you’re a viable candidate for this particular treatment.

Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy

HRT is, in essence, a way to replace the estrogen and other hormones that the body quits producing during menopause. When these hormones are balanced out to pre-menopause levels, many women find relief from their symptoms. Hormone therapy may also be given to women to help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis), a common issue for estrogen-deficient people.

There are two main forms of HRT: systemic hormone therapy and low-dose vaginal products. Systemic hormone therapy is higher doses that come in pill, patch, ring, gel, spray, and cream form, and it allows for estrogen to be spread throughout the body. It’s ideal for treating all symptoms of menopause. On the other hand, low-dose vaginal products come in cream, ring, or tablet form and are designed to treat localized vaginal symptoms like dryness.

Estrogen Therapy 

Estrogen therapy is ideal for women who have had their uterus and ovaries removed (also known as a Total Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy: In addition to the uterus and cervix, this surgery removes the fallopian tubes and ovaries). It has fewer long-term side effects than combination therapy. Typically, healthcare providers start patients on a low dose and work up as needed.

Estrogen therapy comes in many forms, including pills, rings, patches, gels, creams, sprays, and tablets. The pill and patch tend to be the most sought-after options. There are many different prescriptions and formulations available that you and your doctor can try to determine what will work best for you.

Combination Therapy

Combination therapy utilizes both estrogen and progesterone, also known as progestin. This type of HRT is beneficial for people who still have a uterus, as it can help reduce the risk of uterine cancer. It comes in pill, patch, or IUD (intrauterine device) form.

Healthcare providers are increasingly using natural forms of progesterone over synthetic versions, which can benefit women who have high cholesterol.

Benefits of HRT

The most significant benefit of HRT is that it helps alleviate uncomfortable symptoms of menopause like night sweats, insomnia, or pain during sex. It can be particularly helpful to those who have an estrogen deficiency or begin menopause before the age of 40, and it can decrease the risks of developing osteoporosis or other complications from having the uterus or ovaries removed.

By stabilizing hormone levels, people report better moods, improved sleep, less discomfort during sex, and fewer hot flashes. Additional benefits can include lowered risk of heart disease, colon cancer, and diabetes.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Before starting HRT, it’s vital to familiarize yourself with any potential health risks or complications. If you notice any problems after beginning treatment, inform your doctor immediately so your regimen can be adjusted or discontinued, as necessary. For many women, the benefits outweigh the risks, but this may not be the case for everyone.

Some risks associated with HRT include:

• blood clots
• stroke
• heart disease
• breast or endometrial cancer
• gallbladder disease

You can mitigate many of these risks by living a healthy lifestyle (i.e. eating a healthy diet, exercising, not smoking, etc.), starting HRT before age 60, and starting at the lowest possible dose. It’s also crucial to continue with regular healthcare visits to your gynecologist.

After beginning HRT treatment, you may notice some side effects. Let your doctor know right away if you experience any of the following:

• headaches
• mood swings
• nausea
• breast swelling or pain
• vaginal bleeding
• bloating
• skin discoloration

Is HRT Right For Me?

HRT has helped thousands of women with the symptoms of menopause, but it’s not suited for everybody. Ultimately, you and your doctor should decide together whether or not this treatment plan may work for you.

Before starting HRT, you can try some other methods for reducing the severity of your symptoms. Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, antidepressants, Gabapentin, and other medications may be able to help with hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and other menopausal problems.

However, you should probably not try HRT if you:

• have had breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer
• are at risk for blood clots
• are at increased risk for strokes, heart attacks, or cardiovascular issues
• are pregnant
• have abnormal vaginal bleeding
• have liver or gallbladder disease

Additionally, smoking can increase your risk of developing HRT side effects.

If you’re interested in trying hormone replacement therapy for yourself, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors today.