Doctors have been using hormone replacement therapy for decades to help reduce the uncomfortable menopause symptoms that women experience. It is important that women understand the treatment to make sure that it is the appropriate choice for them. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort from the symptoms of menopause, here are a few things that you should know regarding hormone replacement therapy.
Why Is the Treatment Used?
The most common reason hormone replacement therapy is used is to relieve the symptoms of menopause. Some of these symptoms include vaginal dryness, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia. In some cases, the treatment can be used as a proactive measure against osteoporosis.
How Does the Treatment Work?
During menopause, your periods will stop and your ovaries will stop producing the standard female hormones that they've been producing. The levels of progesterone and estrogen will dramatically reduce, resulting in very uncomfortable symptoms. A reduction in these hormones will lead to reduced bone strength, which places you at risk of osteoporosis and/or brittle or weak bones as well as fractures. With hormone replacement therapy, synthetic hormones will be used to replace the hormones that your body has lost because of the natural process of menopause.
What Kinds of Side Effects and Risks Are There with This Treatment?
When undergoing hormone replacement therapy, there are some side effects that you may experience. Some of these side effects may include nausea, bloating, headaches, and mood changes. If you undergo this type of treatment for an extended period of time, you will be at an increased risk of certain diseases and conditions like heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, and blood clots. However, if you start hormone replacement therapy at a young age and take it in low dosages, the overall risk is significantly reduced. Therefore, it is crucial that you work very closely with your health care provider to determine your eligibility for the treatment and whether or not the therapy is right for you and your individual situation.
If you are going through menopause and would like to obtain relief from menopause symptoms, reach out to a professional doctor to learn more about the process of hormone replacement therapy. While this particular form of treatment is not for everyone, it does work for some individuals. When you're ready, schedule an appointment with a hormone replacement therapy provider in your area to discuss your options.
