Studies in recent years have indicated that women taking hormone replacement therapy are at a higher risk of blood clots, stroke, heart diseases and breast cancer. Besides this, there are also a few other minor side effects associated with the hormones used in HRT (Oestrogen and Progesterone)
Hormone replacement therapy can be defined as the treatment used to relieve menopause symptoms or any other age related symptoms. As a woman approaches menopause, her hormone levels begin to decline. HRT seeks to restore the female hormones balance that are on the decline.
Oestrogen and Progesterone are two of the most important hormones in women which are vital in reproduction. Falling levels of these two hormones is associated with a range of both physical and emotional symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms associated with falling oestrogen/progesterone hormones include but not limited to: mood swings, hot flushes and vaginal dryness.
The Different Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Choosing the right HRT is daunting with all the different preparations. This section highlights three of the main types of hormone replacement therapy.
1) Cyclical Hormone Replacement Therapy
This treatment option otherwise known as sequential HRT is recommended for women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms but are still having their periods. This category can further be divided into:
a) Monthly HRT - this treatment option is recommended for women with regular periods and normally involves taking oestrogen every day and progesterone at the end of a menstrual cycle for around 12-14 days.
b) Three-Monthly HRT - women with irregular symptoms are advised to go for this option which involves taking oestrogen every day and progesterone every 13 weeks for around 12-14 days.
2) Oestrogen-Only HRT
This option is available and highly recommended for women who at one point have had their wombs removed during a hysterectomy. Since the woman has no risk womb cancer, administering progesterone is not required.
3) Continuous Combined HRT
This treatment option is ideal for women who are post-menopausal meaning that they’ve not had their periods for more than a year.
Minor side effects associated with HRT
● Fluid retention
● Bloating
● Nausea
● Mood swings
● Acne
One common misconception about hormone replacement therapy side effects is its association with weight gain in women. A good number of women strongly believe that taking HRT will make them gain weight. Contrary to this, there is no evidence brought forward that fully supports this argument. As a matter of fact, a woman in her menopause can expect to gain a bit of weight with or without taking HRT.
If that’s your biggest concern in relation to taking hormone replacement therapy and menopause, you can always hit the gym or better yet eat healthy foods to keep you in shape and lose that extra flab.
It should be noted that absolute risk of adverse hormone replacement therapy effects including breast cancer and cardiovascular complications are extremely low for women on the oestrogen-progestin regimen. Natural or bioidentical hormones are seen as the best alternatives to restoring the hormonal balance when compared to synthetic hormones which are riskier.
As for perimenopause women exhibiting symptoms, a short term dose of oestrogen is recommended to help deal with the symptoms.
Sources
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Hormone-replacement-therapy/Pages/Side-effects.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hormone-replacement-therapy/Pages/How-it-works.aspx
http://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/hrt-effects-on-body
http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/menopause-hormone-therapy?page=2