Basic QnA of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a combination of estrogen and progestin used to treat symptoms that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Understanding the basics of therapy will help you apply it effectively and avoid unwanted effects. Here are some basic questions about hormone replacement therapy that are frequently asked.

Hormone replacement therapy is a combination of estrogen and progestin, used to treat symptoms that occur during perimenopause and menopause in women. Estrogen used with progesterone is called combined hormone replacement therapy and is given to women who have not had a hysterectomy. Progesterone-free, estrogen-alone therapy for women who have had a hysterectomy is associated with endometrial hyperplasia and uterine cancer, and oral progesterone reduces these risks.
This method is used in a variety of forms including skin patches, oral tablets, topical gels or sprays. Estrogen is released into the bloodstream and then carried to the tissues and organs that need it, but it only releases small amounts of estrogen and the tissues of the vagina. Thereby, helping to reduce symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, risk of osteoporosis and other symptoms of menopause.
MORE: Indications and contraindications of hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of menopausal disorders

Stopping hormone replacement therapy depends on how long it has been used and why it has to be stopped. There are several reasons that may help you decide to stop using hormone replacement therapy such as using an interaction medication,...
You may be taking hormone replacement therapy to relieve menopausal symptoms, or control conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, etc. However, in 2002, a study by the Women's Health Initiative on women using HRT found that some drugs combined estrogen and progesterone increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and blood clots. So, if you have to take additional medications that interact with estrogen, progesterone can stop the therapy. Consult your doctor for specific advice on stopping hormone replacement therapy.
One study shows that a small dose of HRT is still the best way to relieve uncomfortable symptoms of early menopause. Women under 60 have the lowest risk of other health problems when using hormone replacement therapy. So, if you've been using HRT for more than 5 years and your symptoms are in remission, it can be stopped.
If you are taking hormone replacement therapy to reduce your risk of heart disease or osteoporosis, stop and weigh the benefits of long-term hormone use with the other risks. To reduce osteoporosis and prevent heart disease, doctors often recommend healthy lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, increasing exercise, etc. Or you can consider other options like statins. lower blood cholesterol, calcium and vitamin D supplements,...
MORE: Benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of menopausal disorders

Use of hormone replacement therapy depends on the health status of the patient as well as the severity of the symptoms of menopause.
Low-dose hormone replacement therapy: studies show that lower-dose hormone replacement therapy offers the same benefits without as many risks. In a new study by the Center for Cancer Research, where the WHI study took place, women taking low doses of estrogen had 53% fewer hot flashes and night sweats. Estrogen alone: ​​this is the recommended treatment for women who have had a hysterectomy. Women who take only estrogen have a lower risk of breast cancer and other disorders. However, doctors still warn that taking estrogen alone can increase the risk of stroke and uterine cancer. Use a vaginal patch, cream, or ring: these forms of estrogen are similar to what the body makes. Unlike the pill, these dosage forms enter the body through the skin or vaginal wall. In this way, estrogen passes through the liver reducing the risk of blood clots or gallbladder disease.

In addition to using hormone replacement therapy, you can apply some of the following ways to help prevent perimenopause and menopause symptoms including:
Soy supplements: soy contains phytoestrogens, this Is a plant material that can act like estrogen in the body. Don't take supplements that aren't regulated or approved by the FDA, and phytoestrogens can increase your risk of some diseases, so be careful when you have comorbidities. Antidepressants: Studies show that antidepressants such as Prozac and Effexor reduce hot flashes. One study found that venlafaxine, the main ingredient in Effexor, reduced hot flashes and night sweats by 48%. Results were similar to those for low-dose estrogen but without the risks. Additionally, making lifestyle changes are some of the other ways to deal with menopausal symptoms. Specifically: Wear layers so you can take off your clothes when necessary. Avoid spicy and hot foods and drinks. Use cotton sheets or clothing to help the skin breathe. Besides, you also need to limit caffeine and alcohol. Use relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, etc. exercise regularly and avoid smoking. In short, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a combination of estrogen and progestin, used to treat symptoms that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Before using this therapy, consult your doctor to reduce the risk of unwanted effects. In addition, women in this age group also need to pay attention to periodic health checks to detect disease risk factors early, thereby taking timely examination and treatment measures.

Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is providing pre-menopausal health examination and counseling package. When registering for an examination package, customers will be examined and consulted with a specialist in Gynecology; Perform tests to assess hormone status. When registering for the premenopausal health care package and consultation, customers will receive:
Gynecological specialist examination Gynecological examination, breast examination Transabdominal ultrasound of uterus and ovaries Take specimens as a smear Cervical – vaginal cytology Mammogram (2 sides) Osteoporosis Measure other tests to detect premenopausal conditions if any.

Reference source: .webmd.com,