Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is generally considered a common treatment to relieve the symptoms of menopause. However, in some cases, HRT can be used to treat hormonal imbalances in men, as well. There are a number of applications for hormonal replacement therapy in Denver, but there are a lot of questions that surround the process.
As a female experiences menopause, certain hormones are diminished. These hormones play a vital role in the woman’s body, and HRT helps replace some of those hormones. This keeps the individual healthy and in balance while eliminating some of the symptoms as the female approaches menopause.
What are the Types of HRT?
Most women can get started on HRT as soon as they begin experiencing symptoms of menopause. There are two common types of HRT – oestrogen-only and combined. Oestrogen-only HRT is for women that have had their womb removed via hysterectomy, while combined HRT is for women that still have their womb. Combined HRT utilizes oestrogen and progestogen, with the latter hormone protecting the lining of the womb from being stimulated by the oestrogen.
Your doctor can get further in-depth on the different types of HRT, and can help determine which treatment is suitable for you. The treatment generally starts with lower doses of the hormone, which are increased if the patient needs higher doses at a later stage. Different individuals require different doses, and the treatment can work differently on a case-by-case basis. Because every individual is different, it’s important to maintain communication with your doctor throughout treatment.
Benefits of HRT
One of the main benefits of HRT is that it relieves nearly all of menopausal symptoms. Because menopause is a natural decline of reproductive hormones, this imbalance can cause a number of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are mood swings, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and reduced sex drive. HRT helps lessen the effects of these symptoms by keeping those important hormones from drastically dropping.
Osteoporosis is more common in women after menopause, and HRT has also been known to help prevent the decrease of bone density that can lead to this condition. Menopause is a natural part of every female’s life cycle, and HRT can help many women navigate it without drastic, sweeping side effects. However, because of how individual each case is, this treatment should be thoroughly discussed with your physician.
HRT is Not For Everyone
HRT might not be a suitable treatment in all cases, as more information is needed for some patients with underlying conditions. For example, HRT may not be suitable for people with a history of cancer – particularly breast cancer, uterus cancer, or ovarian cancer. Patients with a history of blood clots, heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure might also not be a good fit.
HRT is a common treatment, but it still comes with a variety of questions because it might not be right for everyone. It’s important to speak with your physician to find out potential alternative treatments if HRT isn’t right for you. For more information on HRT, its benefits and its drawbacks, reach out to the experts at Evolve Wellness and Health today.
