After menopause, many women experience a range of symptoms that can disrupt daily life, such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. One treatment option that has gained attention for managing these symptoms is hormone replacement therapy, or HRT.
Abigael Dishler, DO, an OB/GYN in our Greenville market, takes us through the benefits, types and risks of HRT for women post-menopause.
First, what are the benefits of HRT?
- Relieving vasomotor symptoms: These types of symptoms include hot flashes and night sweats. One of the primary reasons women seek hormone replacement therapy is to alleviate these symptoms, which can be extremely uncomfortable and disruptive. HRT can help restore hormonal balance as well as reduce the frequency and intensity of these symptoms.
- Bone health and cardiovascular protection: Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone density, so hormone replacement therapy can help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures. It also offers cardiovascular benefits when started within 10 years of menopause, including a reduced risk of coronary artery disease as well as positive effects on lipids and cholesterol.
- Reduced risk of colon cancer: Systemic estrogen has been shown to have a protective effect against colon cancer, adding another benefit for women undergoing HRT.
- Potential decreased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease: Some studies suggest that estrogen may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease when started soon after menopause, although more research is needed in this area.
What are the different types of hormone replacement therapy?
The main treatment for menopausal symptoms is estrogen, which can be administered orally or through a patch. The patch is often preferred because it has a lower risk of blood clots compared to oral estrogen.
Progesterone is often used alongside estrogen, especially for women who still have a uterus. This combination protects the uterine lining from the potential effects of estrogen, which can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
What are the risks and side effects of hormone replacement therapy?
While HRT is generally safe for most women, there are some potential risks and side effects. Common side effects include headaches, breast tenderness and bloating, which often subside after the body adjusts to the treatment.
There are also some risks associated with systemic estrogen, including a slightly increased risk of stroke, breast cancer (if combined with progestins) and blood clots (VTE). It is also important to note that starting HRT more than 10 years after menopause may increase the risk of coronary artery disease.
What are some common symptoms that might indicate you need HRT?
Common signs that HRT may be beneficial include hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings, especially if these symptoms have persisted for 12 months without having a period.
While mood swings, fatigue and sleep disturbances can be signs of menopause, they may also result from other underlying medical conditions, especially for women still experiencing irregular periods. It’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out any other causes and determine whether HRT is necessary. They will evaluate your symptoms, medical history and overall health risks to create a personalized treatment plan.
Can HRT help prevent long-term health issues?
While HRT is primarily used to treat vasomotor symptoms, it also provides long-term benefits, such as helping to prevent osteoporosis and heart disease. However, HRT is not prescribed solely for these purposes as it is used to manage menopause-related symptoms.
Do you live in the Greenville, SC area? If so, learn more about the women’s care services we provide at Bon Secours in this market.
