Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Managing Menopausal ProblemsÂ
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was the standard treatment for immediate relief of unwanted menopausal symptoms until a large trial that ended in 2002 revealed long-term serious side effects that were not put into proper perspective. The media frenzy surrounding HRT at that time unnecessarily scared many women and physicians from its use.
But, the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy are now better understood and along with the advent of bioidentical hormone therapy (hormones used in the 2002 study were not bioidentical), HRT is making a comeback. But for those who remain skeptical here is some food for thought.
Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy HRT
Before taking the hormone replacement therapy HRT, a woman might opt for other treatment options that are safe and still effective. One of the symptoms of menopause in women is vaginal dryness. This can be effectively eliminated by HRT, but this issue can be resolved by simply applying vaginal gel or vaginal estrogen-based topical products without orally taking the HRT.
Other menopausal symptoms like headache, anxiety, and mood disorder can also be resolved without taking the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) through well-proven meditation and relaxation techniques, and the use of medications that improve mood, anxiety, and depression. Some homeopathic remedies are relatively effective for some women. And the best part is that they are way much cheaper than the costs of HRT.
When to Take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
There are some women who do not respond well with the home remedies for hormone replacement therapy /HRT. Aside from that, other symptoms of menopause like insomnia, severe anxiety or even depression, and hot flashes have significantly affected the quality of lives of many individuals.
Under such circumstances, doctors may recommend HRT to the patients to alleviate their way of living. Patients must be aware that HRT is not always associated with the known side effects. It is still possible to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) without experiencing the adverse events, or without increasing the risk of its side effects. This can only be achieved through well-supervised treatment under the guidance of a medical expert. Risks can be further minimized by using bioidentical hormones.
Thus, both the medical practitioner and the patient must work hand-in-hand in managing menopausal problems through hormone replacement therapy HRT without compromising the safety of the patient.
It is best to know that HRT is being recognized as safer and safer. The most common side effects are usually dose related and can be managed by adjusting the dose accordingly.
In fact, women who took estrogen treatment to relieve themselves of the annoying and discomforting symptoms of menopause even enjoyed the benefits of some protection against colorectal cancer and osteoporosis, as well as probable protection from heart disease for younger postmenopausal women.
But regardless of the benefits and possible side-effects, it is still best to consult with the medical expert in order to ascertain if hormone replacement therapy HRT is the ideal solution in handling menopausal issues in your case.
