What is hormone replacement therapy?
HRT supplements the reproductive hormones that your body’s no longer making in sufficient amounts. It’s available as a:
- Pill
- Skin patch
- Gel or cream
- Spray
- Implantation pellet
For women, HRT usually involves a customized prescription for estrogen and progesterone to help alleviate the symptoms of menopause, while at the same time minimizing some of the health risks associated with the condition.
What are the benefits of hormone therapy?
Menopausal women who take a customized HRT prescription can get relief from a range of symptoms, including:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse
- Weight gain and slowed metabolism
- Mood changes and sleep problems
- Loss of breast fullness, dry skin, and thinning hair
Because the risk of osteoporosis increases as estrogen levels drop, HRT can also help preserve bone density, protecting you against this condition.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones, which are derived from plant sources, are identical in molecular structure to the hormones that your body makes. Because your body can’t distinguish them from its own hormones, they function in the exact same way as your natural hormones.
Conventional HRT, on the other hand, involves the use of synthetic hormones, which are structurally different than your natural hormones. This may be why conventional HRT is sometimes associated with unwanted side effects.
Besides being a safe and effective way to manage menopause symptoms, HRT with bioidentical hormones may also be useful for some younger women with intense symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. If you’re affected by severe PMS-related mood swings, breast tenderness, headaches, or bloating, ask your gynecologist if bioidentical HRT is an option for you.
Who should avoid hormone therapy?
In general, HRT is only recommended as a short-term treatment, and should not be considered as a primary preventive measure for either heart disease or osteoporosis. You should avoid HRT if:
- You may be pregnant
- You’ve ever had abnormal uterine bleeding
- You have a history of blood clots
- You’ve ever had a heart attack or stroke
- You’ve had breast or uterine cancer, or gallbladder disease
For some women, HRT may increase the risk of:
- Blood clots
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Breast cancer
- Gallbladder disease
After a comprehensive exam and medical history, your doctor at Connecticut Women OB/GYN can tell you if bioidentical HRT is right for you.
