The WHO has classified hormone replacement therapy under the ICD – 10 code Z79.890 under the heading, Factors influencing health status and contact with health services. Hormones lost during the menopausal transition are supplemented for women through hormone replacement treatment (HRT). Conventional HRT comprises an estrogen and progesterone component to replicate hormones produced by the human ovary and ease the symptoms of menopause. There are many forms of estrogen therapy, including those produced naturally in the human ovary, such as estriol and estradiol. Conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), the most widely prescribed estrogen in the United States, is one of the several estrogenic substances. Despite having different effects on the human body, they both have the same FDA indications. In addition to highlighting the need for an inter-professional team in treating patients with postmenopausal symptoms, this activity also explains the indications for hormonal replacement therapy.
There are many forms of estrogen therapy, including those produced naturally in the human ovary, such as estriol and estradiol. Conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), the most widely prescribed estrogen in the United States, is one of the several estrogenic substances. Despite having different effects on the human body, they both have the same FDA indications. The main symptoms of menopausal issues include:
- Treatments of menopausal vasomotor symptoms
- Treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause
- Combating of osteoporosis
Uses Of Hormonal Replacement Therapy
Hormone treatment can help solve many issues.
Menopause:
Menopause is a pattern of progression from the female reproductive years to the following stage of life. Menopause is not a disease. Many women experience menopause without any medical intervention. However, there are several different therapy modalities accessible if the transition results in bothersome or distracting symptoms. While going through many peoples experiences, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, urinary problems, sleep problems, mood swings, etc. hormonal replacement therapy can help with some of the above-mentioned problems. Not only has this but hormonal replacement therapy also helped with improving muscle function, reducing the risk of any heart problems, prevents skin aging in some people as well.
Usage Of Hormonal Replacement Therapy
HRT can be consumed in several different ways, but before trying out any make sure to consult your doctor. Let’s look at a few ways to take HRT:
- Tablets
One of the most used types of HRT is tablets. Typically, they are given once a day. HRT that is estrogen-only and combination are both offered as tablets. This may be the simplest kind of treatment for some ladies. But it’s crucial to understand that some HRT hazards, such as blood clots, are more likely.
- Skin patches
Using skin patches is another typical HRT delivery method. They are applied to your skin, and you switch them out every few days. The HRT patches come in estrogen-only and mixed varieties. If you find it difficult to take medication each day, skin patches can be a better alternative. In addition, using patches can help you avoid some HRT side effects like dyspepsia, and unlike pills, they don’t raise your risk of blood clots.
- Implants
HRT is also available as tiny pellet-like implants that are placed beneath your skin (often in the belly area) after the local anesthetic has been used to numb the area. The implant progressively releases estrogen over months before needing to be updated. If you don’t want to bother about taking your medication every day or every few days, this can be a convenient choice. However, you’ll also need to take progestogen separately if you still have a womb. The intrauterine system is another implant option if you need to take progestogen together with a different type of estrogen (IUS). A progestogen hormone is released into the womb by an IUS. It can remain in position for three to five years and serves as a contraceptive.
- Vaginal estrogen
Estrogen can also be applied to your vagina as a lotion, pessary, or ring. However, other symptoms like hot flushes will not be alleviated, such as vaginal dryness. You can use it without taking progestogen, even if you still have a womb because it does not carry the typical hazards of HRT and does not raise your risk of breast cancer.
Risks Of Hormonal Replacement Therapy
- Breast Cancer
If you use estrogen-only HRT, your chance of developing breast cancer is either minimal or unchanged. Breast cancer risk may slightly rise when combined HRT is used. The elevated risk decreases if you quit using HRT and is correlated with how long you take it. Attending every breast cancer screening appointment is crucial if you’re on HRT due to the increased risk of breast cancer.
- Heart attack
When started before the age of 60, HRT does not significantly raise your risk of cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and strokes) and may even lower it. Although taking HRT pills is linked to a little increase in stroke risk, stroke risk in women under the age of 60 is typically quite low, thus the overall risk is still very low.
- Blood clots
The examination shows HRT tablets can increase your risk of blood clots, but this risk is still minimal. HRT patches or gels do not increase risk of blood clots.
If hormone replacement therapy (HRT) isn’t an option for you or you choose not to use it, you might want to think about other options for managing your menopausal symptoms.
Change in Lifestyle
A few changes in the way of living can lessen some menopausal symptoms. Like, regular physical activity can help you sleep better and prevent hot flashes. It’s also an excellent approach to improve your mood if you’re feeling agitated, tense, or down. Exercises involving weight-bearing can help maintain bone strength. Maintain a healthy diet; a balanced diet can prevent weight gain and maintain bone health. If you experience hot flushes and night sweats, keep cool at night by donning loose clothing and resting in a cool, well-ventilated space. Reduce your intake of coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods because these are known to cause hot flashes.
Antidepressants
Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are two classes of antidepressants that may ease hot flashes brought on by menopause. This use of these medications is not approved by the FDA. Your means they haven’t been put through clinical trials to see if they alleviate this problem, but many experts think they will, and your doctor will go over the potential advantages and disadvantages with you. Feeling agitated, trembling, or anxious; feeling ill; experiencing dizziness; are a few side effects of SSRIs and SNRIs. Any side effects will often go away with time, but if they persist, you should visit a doctor.