Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective way to relieve severe menopause symptoms caused by a drop in estrogen production. During menopause, the body produces less estrogen, which can cause hot flashes, night sweats, mood fluctuation, weight gain, vaginal dryness, and painful sex. HRT uses medication containing estrogen, progesterone, or both these hormones to minimize or eliminate menopausal symptoms associated with a lack of estrogen. There are many benefits of hormone replacement therapy, including:
- Eases menopause symptoms
- Protects against heart disease
- Stabilizes mood
- Prevents bone loss
- Prevents muscle mass loss
- Protects against dementia
- May protect against certain cancers
- Prevents vaginal atrophy
Did You Know?
Although frequently used to treat severe symptoms associated with menopause, hormone replacement therapy can also be used in cases where a woman has undergone removal of her ovaries prior to menopause.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for hormone replacement therapy?
You may be an ideal candidate for hormone replacement therapy if you are under the age of 60, have entered menopause in the last 10 years, or are experiencing severe menopause symptoms that affect your quality of life. However, women who are older than 60 or who have started menopause more than 10 years ago may not be ideal candidates for hormone replacement therapy. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for hormone replacement therapy, schedule a consultation with our providers at Bucks County Women’s Wellness today.
What can I expect when receiving hormone replacement therapy at Bucks County Women’s Wellness?
At Bucks County Women’s Wellness, our providers will first ask you about your symptoms, medical history, allergies, current medications, side effects from other hormonal treatments, or any health conditions such as cancer, heart problems, liver disease, or blood clots to determine if hormone replacement therapy is right for you. Depending on your individual case, your gynecologist may prescribe an estrogen-only product, progesterone-only product, a product with a combination of estrogen and progesterone, or a product that combines estrogen with another medication.
These hormone medications can come in various forms, including:
- Pills
- Patches
- Injections
- Skin creams/sprays (supply to a localized area)
- Vaginal rings, suppositories or creams (supply to a localized area)
Are there any risks of hormone replacement therapy?
As with any medical treatment, there are always risks involved. Some risks of hormone replacement therapy may include a slightly elevated risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and gallstones. To minimize these risks, hormone replacement therapy is generally not recommended for individuals who have a history of vaginal bleeding, blood clots, liver disease, breast or uterine cancer, heart attack or stroke, bleeding disorders, or allergic reactions to medications with hormones. Your gynecologist will take into consideration any potential risks that you may have to determine if the benefits of HRT justify the risk.
