In the context of providing relief and treatment of menopausal symptoms, hormone replacement therapy is seen to be an effective solution, which is also government-approved.
There are several unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause, such as a decrease in energy levels, increased risk of diseases, poor mental health, and the like, which can mainly result from an imbalance in hormones.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Here are some of the most well-known benefits of hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women.
Enhances Mental Well-Being
Menopause can have a profound impact on a woman as it yields a certain phase of transition in life. It can cause a depressive mood as hormonal changes start to occur in the body.
This episode of depression can also lead one to get less sleep and feel exhausted, which can reduce their quality of life.
Hormone replacement therapy can be the right choice for women because research suggests that this treatment can keep peri- and postmenopausal depression at bay if the dosage is taken at the right time.
2. Decreases Risk of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer or colorectal cancer is formed at the digestive tract's lower end due to the growth of cells. Hormone therapy aids in the restoration of important hormones at the required levels, which can have a profound effect on a person's body, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer.
The therapy includes medicines that lower or block the amount of hormones present in the body so that the growth of cancer can be slowed down or stopped in the body. It also prevents the hormones from creating cancer cells and stops them from growing and getting divided.
3. Reduces Joint Pains
Menopause changes the levels of hormones as ovaries produce lesser levels of Estrogen and progesterone. As such, the process of aging and menopause can lead to chronic pains in the joint areas.
This can meddle with everyday activities, making it inconvenient for one to engage in the same. Since hormone therapy is mainly targeted towards balancing and restoring hormones, it can reduce joint pains along with reducing loss of bones.
4. Decreases Risk of Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common long-term illnesses, and one can be prone to it if the disease runs in the family. Furthermore, aging can sometimes be an additional factor for causing the same.
Studies state that the abdominal fat deposition is decreased by Hormone Therapy, thereby contributing to antidiabetic action. Estrogen can also reduce the resistance to insulin and glucose production, which can help in reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
5. Reduces Risk of Osteoporosis
Hormone replacement therapy can help in reducing the risk of osteoporosis as it decreases the breakdown of bone, which is also referred to as bone resorption.
Through the inhibition of osteoclast-driven bone resorption, hormone replacement therapy reduces the loss of bones in postmenopausal women.
Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Here are a few risks associated with hormone replacement therapy.
Increases Risk of Dementia
Dementia refers to the loss of one’s cognitive functioning, which can hamper the daily life and activities of a person.
Although it rarely happens, there are slight chances of hormone replacement therapy increasing one’s risk of dementia if the treatment is not done correctly. Therefore, it is always better to consult a professional before undergoing the therapy.
2. Increases Risk of Gallstone Problems
Estrogen therapy is associated with the possible formation of gallstones. During the therapy, the bike becomes more saturated with cholesterol, and hence, the gallbladder hypomotility and resulting bile stasis increase gallstone formation.
3. Increases Risk of Blood Clots
There are different methods used in hormone replacement therapy, and the inclusion of Estrogen in the treatment is associated with the growth in the production of blood-clotting factors in the liver.
However, this is related to Estrogen and not progesterone, so checking which method works best for you is recommended.
Guidelines for Hormone Replacement Therapy
Although there are various benefits associated with hormone replacement therapy, to make sure that it can deliver successful results, considering the following guidelines is necessary.
Consult a Healthcare Provider
Consulting a healthcare provider before you consider getting hormone replacement therapy is extremely essential. A reliable healthcare provider can make you aware of the appropriate treatment you can opt for.
They will also make you aware of which method of hormone therapy will work best for you. Along with this, depending on your health conditions and the severity of menopausal symptoms, they may also suggest whether you require a short-term treatment or a long-term treatment.
2. Take the Correct Dosage
Hormone replacement therapy can have many benefits for the physical health and mental well-being of menopausal women. However, in order to ensure its effectiveness, taking the correct dosage of the same is highly necessary.
The type of dosage and its quantity may vary, so it’s always recommended to consult a reliable physician to prescribe the therapy. Following this, the schedule and amount of dosage should be followed diligently to avoid any obstruction to the functioning of this treatment.
3. Perform Routine Monitoring
Once you’ve found a reliable healthcare provider, it’s important to opt for regular follow-up care so that the treatment can be effective.
This will help you gain effective suggestions by the kind of physical activities you can incorporate into your everyday routine along with the diet you can follow to maintain a healthy weight.
A reliable HRT Clinic may also share tips for managing chronic health conditions and handling stress. It is important to remember that consistency is key, and your treatment can be successful when you check with your healthcare provider at regular intervals.
Final Thoughts
The process of aging cannot be escaped, and as women age, going through menopause is inevitable. However, this does not mean that there is no solution to treat the symptoms of the same.
Hormone replacement therapy can be a good treatment, but be sure to follow the guidelines mentioned above before you undergo it.
