BIO-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Many women always have a lot of questions about Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT. What is HRT? What does it entail? Does HRT help treat menopause? What are the benefits and risks of HRT?

Well, the decision to use HRT varies from one individual to the next; it solely depends on an individual. Before settling to use Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, you need to consult your physician. Many things come into play when choosing the best menopause treatment. Some of these considerations include:

  • Personal Health
  • Age
  • Family medical history
  • Menopausal Transition
  • The severity of menopause symptoms
  • Effectiveness of non-hormonal therapies to relieve menopause symptoms

The Meaning of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Are you clueless about Hormone Replacement Therapy? Well, not again; we have you covered! Here’s all that you need to know about bioidentical hormone therapy.

After menopause, the production of hormones by the body decreases significantly. HRT comes in hand to supplement the dwindling supply of these hormones. This therapy is mainly designed to supplement hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. DHEA and testosterone can at times be available in the replacement form. The intake of these hormones greatly reduces the symptoms of menopause. Basically, BHRT will replace female hormones that are at lower levels as you approach/after menopause.

Most women during this period take a combination of progesterone and estrogen. In case one doesn’t have a womb, she only has to take estrogen.  HRT regimes can be taken without a break (continuously) or in a cycle where you take estrogen consistently and progesterone every few weeks. HRT comes in different ways, such as:

  • Gels 
  • Skin patches
  • Tablets
  • Pessaries
  • Vaginal creams
  • Rings

Consult your doctor to help you choose the type that will work best for you.

Merits of HRT

The primary importance of this therapy is the fact that it relieves almost all menopausal symptoms. With the HRT you will say goodbye to:
  • Night sweats 
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Hot flushes
  • Mood swings
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Bones weakening

HRT side effects

Just like any other medication, HRT can also have some side effects. However, these effects are expected to pass in under three months once you are under HRT. Some of the common side effects of HRT include:
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Breast tenderness
  • Abdominal pains
  • Indigestion

Can You Start Taking HRT?

A good number of women start taking HRT after they notice symptoms associated with menopause. However, it is worth noting that HRT might be unsuitable if you:
  • Have a history of blood clots 
  • Are Pregnant
  • Have a liver disease
  • Have untreated high blood pressure
  • Have a history of womb cancer, breast cancer or ovarian cancer

When Can You Get Started?

To get started on HRT, you won’t need to undergo some tests. No, the moment you begin to experience menopausal symptoms, then it is time to get started. Always consult an expert before beginning the HRT journey.

When Can You Stop HRT?

There is no specific treatment duration when it comes to HRT. Majority of women stop the treatment after their menopausal symptoms pass. You can stop the therapy either gradually or suddenly. Experts recommend that you stop the medication gradually. This way, symptoms are less likely to reappear. 

In conclusion, always remember that living a healthy lifestyle will help reduce menopausal symptoms. Eat healthily, exercise regularly, quit smoking, cut down on alcohol, coffee, and spicy food intake.