The menopause is a significant phase in a woman’s life. It marks the end of our childbearing years and the start of a new chapter. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause are hot flushes, mood swings and vaginal dryness, to name a few.
These symptoms can have a significant impact on our quality of life, leading some women to seek out hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, there is a lot of confusion and misinformation about HRT, which can leave women feeling unsure about whether it is the right choice for them.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment option that can alleviate these symptoms by replacing the hormones that the body stops producing during menopause.
In this blog post, we will explore the myths and facts about hormone replacement therapy to help you make an informed decision.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
HRT is a treatment option that involves replacing the hormones that the body stops producing during menopause. It usually involves taking oestrogen and progesterone, sometimes in combination, in the form of pills, patches, gels, or creams. The goal of HRT is to relieve the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness and mood swings and to prevent or manage conditions that can result from the decline in hormone levels, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy
The benefits of HRT go beyond symptom relief. Studies have shown that HRT can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis, colon cancer and cardiovascular disease in women who take it early on. HRT can also improve cognitive function and quality of life in women who suffer from severe menopausal symptoms.
Types of Hormones used in Hormone Replacement Therapy
The two main types of hormones used in HRT are oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen is the hormone that declines during menopause and is responsible for many of the symptoms, such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Progesterone is needed to protect the uterus lining from overgrowth, which can lead to endometrial cancer in women who have an intact uterus. There are several types of oestrogen and progesterone and the choice of hormone and delivery method depends on several factors, such as the woman’s age, health and medical history.
Who can benefit from Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Not all women need or should take HRT. The decision to use HRT should be individualised and based on the woman’s specific needs, medical history and risk factors. Women who have severe menopausal symptoms or are at risk of osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease are usually good candidates for HRT. Women who have had breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or blood clots are probably not advised to take HRT.
Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Like any medical treatment, HRT can have risks and side effects. The risks include an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke and blood clots, depending on the type of hormone used, the dose and the duration of treatment. Women who use HRT should also have regular mammograms and gynaecological exams to monitor their health.
Myth 1: HRT causes cancer.
Fact: Many women are afraid of taking HRT because they believe it increases the risk of cancer. However, the research is still unclear and the risk is thought to be relatively small. According to the American Cancer Society, combined oestrogen and progesterone therapy can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer after three to five years of use. However, this risk goes back to normal after stopping treatment.
Myth 2: HRT increases the risk of heart disease.
Fact: For many years, doctors believed that HRT could reduce the risk of heart disease in women. However, recent studies have shown mixed results. Some studies have found that oestrogen therapy can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke in women who have recently started experiencing menopausal symptoms. However, it is important to note that HRT may not be suitable for women with a history of heart disease or stroke.
Myth 3: HRT only treats hot flushes and vaginal dryness.
Fact: HRT is often prescribed to help with the physical symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness. However, it can also help with other symptoms, such as mood swings and insomnia. Additionally, long-term use of HRT can help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Myth 4: HRT is addictive.
Fact: HRT is not addictive. You can stop taking it at any time without any withdrawal symptoms. However, you may experience some menopausal symptoms when you stop taking HRT, similar to those you experienced before starting treatment.
Myth 5: HRT is only for women who have recently experienced menopause symptoms.
Fact: HRT can be beneficial for women of all ages, including those who have been postmenopausal for several years. However, it is essential to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of HRT for your specific situation.
In conclusion, hormone replacement therapy can be a safe and effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. However, it is essential to get the right information and advice from your doctor before starting treatment. It is important to remember that HRT is not suitable for everyone and the benefits and risks should be carefully assessed on an individual basis.
By dispelling common myths about HRT, we hope that women can make informed decisions about their health and well-being during this significant life transition.
*Disclaimer* Information correct at time of publishing but is constantly changing. Hormone replacement therapy can be an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms and can improve the quality of life for women who suffer from them. However, the decision to use HRT should be individualised and women should discuss their specific needs and risks with their healthcare provider. Keeping a healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet and stress management, can also help ease menopausal symptoms and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
