by What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking small doses of hormones, usually estrogen and progestogen, to replace those that are no longer produced by the ovaries in postmenopausal women. During menopause, estrogen production slows down and eventually stops. With the reduction in estrogen levels, women experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and an increased risk of bone loss and heart disease. HRT counteracts these symptoms by replenishing the drop in hormones.
Types of HRT
There are different types of HRT based on whether estrogen is taken alone or combined with progestogen.
Estrogen-only HRT: This is prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy since there is no risk of endometrial cancer without a uterus. Estrogen alone helps reduce menopause symptoms and protects bone health.
Estrogen-progestogen HRT: For women with a uterus, progestogen is taken along with estrogen to counteract the risks of endometrial cancer. Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy alleviates symptoms and maintains bone density. Progestogen is given continuously or added for 12-14 days each month to simulate the menstrual cycle.
Non-oral HRT: Options include skin patches, gels or creams that deliver hormones through the skin, avoiding the digestive system. This lowers health risks for some women. Vaginal estrogen products are also prescribed for treating vaginal dryness and itching.
Short-term vs Long-term HRT
The duration of HRT usage impacts the risks and benefits.
Short-term (less than 5 years): Primarily treats menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and prevents bone loss. Risks are generally lower since hormones have not built up in the body over many years.
Long-term (more than 5 years): Continues protecting bone density and reduces chances of fractures and colorectal cancer. However, risks may be higher for breast cancer, heart disease, and strokes with long-term estrogen therapy alone. The additional progestogen in combined HRT offsets some risks but increases chances of breast cancer slightly.
Weighing the Risks and Benefits
While HRT relieves unpleasant menopausal symptoms and protects long-term health, certain risks must also be considered depending on a woman’s personal health factors.
Breast cancer risk may increase with both estrogen-alone and combined HRT, especially with long-term use. However, risk usually returns to normal within a few years after stopping therapy. Progestogen-only therapy seems to pose no increased risk.
Heart attack and stroke risk is higher for estrogen-alone HRT, especially if started over age 60 or more than 10 years after menopause. Combined HRT does not increase these risks and may even provide some heart protection if started closer to menopause onset.
Blood clots forming in the legs or lungs (DVT or PE) are more likely with any type of HRT, especially in the first year. The absolute risk remains low.
Gallstones and urinary incontinence are slightly more common risks with combined HRT. The chance of dementia seems unaffected or may even be reduced in some studies.
Overall health, lifestyle factors, family history, and the severity of symptoms are considered when determining if the benefits of HRT outweigh the specific risks for an individual woman. Short-term use for severe menopausal issues usually carries the best benefit-risk ratio.
Alternative Therapies
Not all women are candidates for conventional HRT or want potential long-term risks. Lifestyle strategies and natural remedies can help control menopausal changes without hormones.
Herbal supplements such as black cohosh and red clover are popular over-the-counter alternatives. While modestly effective for hot flashes, more research is still needed on safety.
Exercise, a healthy diet, weight control, limiting alcohol and cigarettes, and stress reduction techniques complement lifestyle approaches.
Low-dose antidepressants or gabapentin may control moderate to severe hot flashes. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants provide relief without systemic effects.
With more research, individualized HRT regimens tailored to a woman’s specific needs, risks, and stage of menopause may optimize outcomes. Tissue selective estrogens that target tissues like bone without stimulating the breast or uterus show promise. Local vaginal therapies avoid blood interactions while improving symptoms. Overall, balancing benefits against individual health risks remains key to harnessing hormone therapies safely.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile
