Hormone Replacement Therapy

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

We’ve all heard of, or maybe experienced ourselves, the symptoms of menopause. As estrogen and progesterone (two hormones produced by our ovaries) naturally decline with aging, the majority of women begin to experience night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings. These symptoms can be associated with perimenopause, early menopause, and clinically confirmed menopause.

So what’s a girl to do to maintain quality of life and even potentially reduce the risk of certain health conditions like bone loss associated with osteoporosis? Hormone Replacement Therapy it’s here to help! HRT comes in local or systemic therapies which increase hormone levels usually through the bioidentical hormones estrogen and progesterone.

What cosmetic/health concerns does Hormone Replacement Therapy address?

Hormone Replacement Therapy it’s FDA approved to address the vasomotor symptoms of menopause including night sweats and hot flashes and also vaginal dryness. There may also be benefit to the brain fog, joint aches, bloating, and mood swings of menopause although there are not clear clinical trials confirming this.

Who is the ideal candidate for Hormone Replacement Therapy?

The ideal candidate for Hormone Replacement Therapy is a peri or postmenopausal women experiencing low estrogen related symptoms. HRT is contraindicated in most women with a history of breast cancer, at increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, certain liver disease, gallbladder disease or uncontrolled blood pressure.

What are the potential side effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy side effects are typically limited, but can be severe in some cases. HRT can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack, or blood clots. In women with a uterus (those who have not had a hysterectomy), estrogen must be combined with progestin to prevent uterine cancer.

What can someone expect from the results of Hormone Replacement Therapy?

The results of Hormone Replacement Therapy will start to become noticeable within a few days to weeks of consistent use. For women using estrogen creams for vaginal dryness, the benefits of HRT are typically noted after the two week loading period.

What is the average cost of Hormone Replacement Therapy?

The actual cost of Hormone Replacement Therapy will vary by type of therapy used, patches, creams, or pills, and insurance. Medication cost is often dependent on a candidate’s location, healthcare provider, and insurance.

Is it worth it?

When considering the question of is Hormone Replacement Therapy worth it, it’s important to set realistic expectations around treatment goals which will help both a candidate and their provider achieve the best results possible and take a detailed review of your risk factors and medical history.

Hormone Replacement Therapy is not a permanent women’s health solution and is recommended to be used for the shortest amount of time possible and not past the age of 60.