Are you struggling with menopause symptoms? An unbelievable 73% of women know they’re suffering, but they don’t seek out help. Now that it’s 2021 and medical care is affordable, why aren’t more women getting the help they deserve?
One reason is a lack of knowledge about their options.
HRT, for instance, helps millions of women around the globe. But, what is hormone replacement therapy, and can it actually help curb your suffering? Read on to find out all about HRT, how it can help, the risks of treatment, and alternatives you can try, too.
Signs and Symptoms That HRT Can Help With
As women age, they experience several transitions. During puberty, women become able to bear children. Sometime around their 30s or 40s, they’ll begin to experience a decline in fertility.
All the sudden, your periods will become less predictable. You could start to experience hot flashes. You may even experience mild to severe insomnia.
These symptoms all mean that you’re nearing (or experiencing) menopause. Pregnancy is very unlikely, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Menopause starts when you haven’t had a period for at least 12 months.
Your ovaries stop dropping eggs, and your hormones can get wonky.
Due to these erratic hormonal changes, you’re likely to be uncomfortable. That’s where hormone replacement therapy can help.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy seeks to ease the discomfort associated with menopause symptoms. It’s a type of medicine to replace lost estrogen. There are two main types of hormone replacement therapy for menopause including:
- Systemic
- Low-dose vaginal products
Depending on your needs, you can use a pill, ring, gel, cream, skin patch, or tablet. Your doctor will likely also recommend taking progesterone or progestin as well. This addition is to help prevent unwanted side effects (more on that below).
Risks and Alternatives
Like all medicines and therapies, there are risks involved with HRT. Recent studies show that increased estrogen without progesterone can cause unwanted uterus growth. It can also increase your risk of:
- Blood clots
- Breast cancer
- Stroke
- Heart disease
There are alternatives to HRT, too. You could attempt to change up your lifestyle or use other medications to curb your symptoms. Research has shown that antidepressants, tibolone, and clonidine can help.
Every person’s treatment plan is unique. Reach out to your nearest women’s clinic to discuss your options further.
Ready to Live Your Best Life in 2021?
So, what is hormone replacement therapy, and can it actually help you? Depending on your symptoms, it might be the answer you’ve been searching for! It’s important to understand the risk involved and your alternatives, too.
This article should’ve provided you with enough information for you to make a choice. Consider your options and talk to your doctor if you think HRT is right for you.
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