Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to relieve the symptoms of menopause. Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her ovaries stop producing eggs and her body produces less estrogen and progesterone.
The symptoms of menopause can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. HRT can also help protect women from the long-term effects of a deficiency of female hormones. These effects can include osteoporosis, heart disease, and cognitive decline.
The goal of HRT is to restore the levels of estrogen and, if necessary, progesterone to their premenopausal levels. Estrogen is the primary hormone responsible for the development and maintenance of female sexual characteristics. Progesterone is a hormone that prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy and helps to maintain a pregnancy.
Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy:
There are two types of hormone replacement therapy: systemic and local.
- Systemic HRT: Systemic HRT involves taking hormones in the form of pills, skin patches, gels, creams, or vaginal inserts. The hormones are absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body. Systemic HRT is the most common type of HRT.
- Local HRT: Local HRT involves using lower doses of hormones in the form of vaginal creams, vaginal tablets, or vaginal rings. The hormones are absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the vagina. Local HRT is less likely to cause side effects than systemic HRT.
HRT can be taken on a long-term basis or it can be used to treat the symptoms of menopause on a short-term basis. The decision to take HRT should be made after a discussion with your healthcare provider.
Benefits of taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT):
- The most common reason women take HRT is to relieve the symptoms of menopause. These symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
- HRT can also help protect women from the long-term effects of a deficiency of female hormones. These effects can include osteoporosis, heart disease, and cognitive decline.
Who should take hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
hormone replacement therapy for women in Littleton and Golden, CO is often prescribed to relieve the symptoms of menopause and to protect women from the long-term effects of a deficiency of female hormones.
Women taking estrogen should have a pelvic examination, a breast examination, and a mammogram before starting HRT. Women with a history of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or other hormone-sensitive cancers should not take HRT. Women with a history of heart disease, stroke, or blood clots should also avoid HRT.