Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that replenishes hormones when your body is not making enough on its own. As both men and women age, their bodies produce fewer hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Replacing these hormones through HRT can help relieve unpleasant menopause symptoms in middle-aged women and improve quality of life.
Some key points about hormone replacement therapy:
- HRT most commonly treats menopause symptoms in women by replacing female sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone that sharply decline with age
- It can effectively treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, declining sex drive, and mood changes
- HRT may also prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures by preserving bone mineral density
- For men, testosterone replacement therapy can be used from middle age onward to relieve symptoms like fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and mood changes
- HRT therapy comes in different forms like pills, skin patches, gels, implants, shots/injections, and vaginal creams or rings
Who is a candidate for hormone therapy?
- Perimenopausal and menopausal women with moderate to severe menopause symptoms
- Women at high risk of osteoporosis or bone fractures
- Men over 50 with declining energy, libido, strength due to low testosterone
What are the risks and side effects of HRT?
- Slightly elevated risks of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, breast cancer, gallstones - risks increase with age
- Side effects like bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes, and spotting
- Risks are lower with transdermal (skin patch/gel) HRT compared to oral HRT
What hormones are replaced in HRT?
Estrogen
- Role - regulates menstrual cycle and reproduction
- Declines during perimenopause and menopause
- Deficiency causes hot flashes, vaginal dryness, urinary issues, mood changes
- Estrogen HRT helps relieve these symptoms
Progesterone
- Role - regulates menstrual cycle and reproduction
- Levels decline during perimenopause and menopause
- Added to estrogen HRT to prevent overgrowth of uterine lining
Testosterone
- Role - regulates sex drive, muscle mass, energy in both sexes
- Declines with age, especially in men over 50
- Testosterone replacement therapy can help relieve fatigue, depression, low libido
Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy
There are many forms of HRT to choose from:
- Oral tablet- estrogen/progestin pills (higher risk of blood clots)
- Transdermal patch - skin patch delivers hormones through skin
- Vaginal ring - flexible ring releases estrogen directly to vaginal tissue
- Vaginal creams/tablets - inserted directly into the vagina
- Gels/lotions - spread over skin to deliver hormones
- Injections/shots - injected testosterone/estrogen
- Implants - small pellet implanted under the skin, lasts several months
The type of HRT depends on your needs and preferences. Transdermal and vaginal routes may be preferred over oral tablets due to lower risks.
Duration of Treatment
- HRT may be used short-term for 1-2 years to relieve menopause symptoms
- For osteoporosis prevention, longer duration therapy of 5-10 years may be recommended
- Work with your doctor to determine what duration is right for your symptoms and health status
In addition to HRT, regular health screenings, proper nutrition, exercise, and routine doctor’s visits are vital for managaging menopause symptoms and long term health.
If you are experiencing effects of menopause or andropause (male menopause), consider contacting Vitality Hormone Center. We offer customized bioidentical hormone therapy tailored to your unique hormone needs and health goals. Reach out today to schedule your initial bloodwork and consultation.
