Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause Treatment
Dr. Patricia Ferguson, M.D.
| 3 min read
Dr. Patricia Ferguson, M.D., is medical director at ...
By: Dr. Patricia Ferguson, M.D. is the medical director for Emergent Holdings’ Senior Health Services.
About 75% of women experience symptoms of menopause, which can lead to sleep difficulties, decreased energy and low self-esteem.
Menopause symptoms typically last seven to 10 years. Some women may consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help manage their symptoms and help their quality of life.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
As women age, their ovaries stop producing estrogen. Common symptoms of the hormone loss include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood changes, including anxiety and depression
- Brain fog
- Weight gain
The average age of menopause is 51. Every woman experiences menopause differently. Symptoms can be mild or severe and have a varying impact on quality of life.
HRT replaces the estrogen, which is systemic or a low-dose vaginal product. The systemic estrogen is delivered through a pill, skin patch, gel or spray and has a higher dose of the hormone. Low-dose products, in vaginal ring or tablet form, typically treat urinary and vaginal symptoms of menopause. The most common treatment in the U.S. is an oral tablet.
A woman may talk to her doctor about HRT if she has difficulty managing symptoms, early menopause, surgery to remove one or both ovaries or has osteoporosis or osteopenia, among other conditions.
What are the benefits of hormone replacement therapy?
The reintroduction of estrogen can relieve menopause symptoms.
During menopause, women lose about 25% of their bone mass by the age of 60 because of the decline in estrogen. Decreased bone mass can lead to fractures.The loss of estrogen also can lead to higher blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Women on HRT may also experience better move and higher quality of life as their menopause symptoms decrease.
What are side effects and risks of hormone replacement therapy?
HRT can cause side effects, including mood swings, breast tenderness and irregular vaginal bleeding. Side effects are often mild and typically subside within a few months.
A study shows the risks of HRT are low. Some serious risks include:
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Increased risk with breast cancer in some women with long-term use
The risk of breast cancer is small, about 1 in 1,000, and is connected to using HRT for five years or more.
The risks of HRT are lower if:
- A woman starts HRT before age 60.
- Life a healthy lifestyle, including exercising and eating a healthy diet.
- Get regular physicals and manage chronic conditions.
- A woman and her doctor find the best kind of HRT for her.
HRT will not work for everyone, and the different delivery methods of hormones have varying impacts. A woman should talk to her doctor to discuss how to manage symptoms of menopause and evaluate benefits and risks.
Dr. Patricia Ferguson, M.D. is the medical director for Emergency Holdings’ Senior Health Services. Emergent Holdings is a separate entity contracted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to perform administrative services for Blue Cross’ Medicare Advantage program. For more health tips and information, visit MIBlueDaily.com.
Image: Getty Images
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