What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment aimed at relieving and reducing symptoms of menopause by properly replacing hormones and in turn, leading to an increase in hormone production. The two major hormones produced by a woman’s ovaries are estrogen and progesterone hormones.

As a woman ages, her hormonal production decreases significantly, leading to uncomfortable health conditions like osteoporosis, swellings in other regions of the body, vaginal discomfort and even depression.

What Does Estrogen And Progesterone Do?

As stated earlier, estrogen and progesterone are key hormones that help regulate various aspects of a woman’s health, especially concerning the menstrual and reproductive parts. Let us now review some of its key functions.

Functions of Progesterone

• Helps regulate blood pressure
• Helps regulate the menstrual cycle
• Helps improve sleep and mood
• Helps prepare for pregnancy through the implantation of a fertilized egg on the lining of the uterus.

Functions of Estrogen 

• Helps with the acceleration of burning fat.
• Necessary for the improvement of bone health in both males and females
• Helps maintain a healthy cholesterol level
• Helps maintain healthy reproductive and sexual health.

Types Of Hormone Replacement Therapy 

Hormone replacement therapy involves the replacement of depleted primary hormones in the body of a female. These key hormones are estrogen and progesterone and they play significant roles in the premenopausal and postmenopausal stages of women. 

Estrogen Therapy 

Estrogen hormone replacement therapy involves the introduction of estrogen hormones via various mediums. This form of therapy can be taken alone or alongside progesterone. Estrogen comes in 3 types: estriol, estradiol, and estrone. They can be administered in the form of:

• Skin gel
• Nasal spray 
• Pills or tablets, usually taken orally or through the mouth
• Skin patches usually stuck to the skin and are replaced after a specific period 
• Vaginal ring 
• Vaginal creams 

Progesterone/Progestin Therapy 

Progesterone hormone replacement therapy, also known as progestin therapy also involves the application and introduction of progesterone. It can be applied via:

• Implants/Intrauterine system 
• Skin patches 
• Pills 
• Vaginal creams and suppositories to help reduce vaginal dryness.

Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy 

The major benefit of hormone replacement therapy is to boost hormonal levels and in turn, lessen the symptoms and effects of menopause in women. However, it is also beneficial in other aspects such as:

Increased bone and muscle strength 

As women age, there is an increased risk of osteoporosis, which is a condition fostered by menopause and it leads to the weakness of bones and possible bone loss and fracture. 

With the help of hormone replacement therapy however, it can be prevented with the introduction of hormones that tend to decrease menopausal symptoms of which includes osteoporosis.

Increase in sexual and reproductive health

One of the significant benefits of hormone replacement therapy is an increase in libido. Moreso, it helps to make sex more enjoyable and less painful which is caused by vaginal dryness.

Improved mood and sleep

With less night sweats and hot flashes, HRT also helps to improve sleep and sleep patterns. It also helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression which can significantly improve one’s mood.

Higher chances of weight loss 

The onset of menopause is accompanied with symptoms of a decreased metabolic rate and possible hormonal imbalances which can make losing weight difficult.

Hence, hormone replacement therapy helps to increase estrogen levels which can increase and maintain hormonal levels to foster weight loss.

Decrease in the occurrence of breast and colon cancer, diabetes, stroke, and migraines

The intervention of hormone replacement therapy has helped lower the risk of stroke, Type 2 Diabetes, and colorectal cancers. Moreso, the use of progesterone can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer in women.

Helps improve and maintain vagina health 

Hormone replacement therapy is known to be beneficial to women especially in maintaining vagina health. It is achieved by reducing vaginal dryness, itching and discomfort. 

In addition, the introduction of estrogen via HRT helps to reduce vaginal atrophy, which is a condition that leads to the drying, thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls.

How to use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

Usually, the onset of the HRT is dependent on how frequently you’ve experienced menopausal symptoms and how early you start menopause. The major common therapy routines may include the following;

Cyclic/Sequential Hormone Replacement Therapy

Cyclic hormone therapy is usually recommended for women with early onset of menopause but still have their periods. It is of 2 types:

• Type 1: Requires that estrogen and progestin are taken together for 25 days, usually for the last 14 days of the menstrual cycle.
• Type 2: The second type of cyclic hormone replacement therapy is recommended for women with irregular periods and taken for 14 days, every 3 months.

Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy 

This type of therapy is done with the usage of estrogen and progestin every day, and without a break. It is also highly recommended for women undergoing their postmenopausal phase who have not seen their period for about 1 year. 

Are There Possible Side Effects?

Every medicine, drug, or therapy has its side effects. However, the intensity of it depends on how it is effectively controlled and managed in the long run. The good news is that the side effects of hormone replacement therapy will improve as time goes on. They include:

• Breast tenderness 
• Headaches
• Nausea 
• Bloating 
• Indigestion 
• Acne 
• Vaginal bleeding

These effects are not permanent and if managed properly, can be fine in no time. In addition, with the right hands and a good environment, you’re sure to recover quickly.