What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that uses synthetic (lab-created) hormones to supplement or replace estrogen and progesterone when the body does not produce enough of these hormones on its own. HRT can be very useful in managing the symptoms of menopause and in reducing some of the medical risks associated with it, and it can also be helpful in managing other conditions, involving low levels of hormones like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Hormone replacement products are available in a variety of forms, including pills, patches, gels, sprays and vaginal inserts.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones that use the same chemical structure as the hormones created naturally by the body. In traditional HRT, the synthetic hormones used during treatment have a chemical structure that differs from the structure of natural hormones. Both traditional HRT and bioidentical hormone replacement can be associated with certain side effects that could be quite serious. Careful follow-up of either therapy helps to manage these risks.
What menopause symptoms can be improved with hormone replacement therapy?
In women approaching menopause, HRT can be used to reduce or eliminate symptoms like:
- vaginal dryness
- painful intercourse
- moodiness
- night sweats and hot flashes
- low sex drive
- problems focusing or concentrating (so-called brain fog)
- sleep problems
Once menopause occurs, HRT can reduce the risks of some diseases like osteoporosis that are more common once a woman’s period stops.
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
Like any ongoing therapy, HRT requires ongoing blood tests to ensure the dosages remain optimized and adjusted for the patient’s unique needs. Any HRT should be used under the supervision of a skilled doctor.
Is hormone replacement therapy a good choice for any woman entering or in menopause?
While HRT can offer significant benefits for many women, it’s not an ideal choice for everyone. Having a physical exam and lab testing can help determine whether or not HRT could be a good fit for a specific patient’s needs.
