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Hormone Replacement Therapy, known as HRT, is a treatment using hormones to replace/replenish natural hormones – when the body does not make enough. For instance, HRT may be given when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones or when the pituitary gland does not make enough growth hormones.
Additionally, hormone replacement therapy can help balance estrogen and progesterone levels during or near menopause.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Menopause:
Hormone therapy is one of the government-approved treatments for the relief of menopausal symptoms.
These symptoms, caused by lower levels of estrogen at menopause, include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. Patients also site anxiety, moodiness, and less interest in sex.
Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy & Ways of Treatment:
Many different factors determine the risk/benefit ratio in menopausal women using HRT. Some of these factors have to do with the hormones themselves.
Various effects of HRT can depend on:
– The form of hormones (synthetic vs. bioidentical)
– The route of administration (oral vs. topical, or transdermal)
– The Dosage
– The length of treatment
Both media headlines and drug companies have bombarded doctors with conflicting arguments about HRT and alternatives. Your doctor should explain the risks of possible conditions such as; Blood clots, Heart disease, Breast cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and Osteoporosis.
They vary from one person to another and depend on many risk factors. In cases where HRT is said to increase risk, this usually means a small increase in most cases. We suggest requesting a “hormone consultation” so our team can assess your symptoms and determine together if this kind of treatment is right for you.
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy for You:
We want to help you understand the complexities of hormone therapy. HRT is still the gold standard for treating a multitude of deficiencies and menopausal symptoms. Because we’re all unique in terms of our genetic make-up and individual health problems and risks, the typical one-size-fits-all approach to HRT is not favorable.
Ideally, one of our healthcare practitioners will fully evaluate your unique set of risk factors, including genetic makeup, environmental factors, and underlying health problems that might make HRT riskier or more helpful. If you decide to use HRT, the safest forms and doses should be used, and you should be regularly monitored over time for any emerging problems.
Talking to Our Doctors About Hormone Therapy:
Our approach can help you foster a fruitful conversation with one of our doctors about hormone therapy and your alternatives.
We suggest assessing your symptoms to figure out what’s bothering you most before visiting.
Some things you can prepare before your visit:
– A list of symptoms, most bothersome at the top.
– Your medical history and your families. A list of prescriptions and supplements.
– Any thoughts you may have on your ideal approach to your symptoms?
(i.e., Do you like to take a more natural approach to your health? Are you willing to make changes in your diet and in your lifestyle? Are you interested in bioidentical hormones?)