Menopause - Multiple Hormone Replacement Therapies Are Available
Before you decide which hormone replacement therapy is best for you,
the first thing you should understand is what it is and why some
consider it necessary. When a woman goes through menopause, her body
stops producing estrogen.
Menopause occurs naturally (unless you have had to have a complete
hysterectomy which included a removal of the ovaries). Medical
intervention is not required. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a
matter of choice and used as a means to treat the uncomfortable symptoms
and the changes your body is going to undergo.
HRT focuses on making the symptoms easier to deal with on a daily basis.
For example: Estrogen therapy (a prescription medication) is used the
most and it reduces if not completely eliminates hot flashes, night
sweats, mood swings, bloating, irritability etc. Almost all of the
bothersome symptoms that go with menopause are addressed with estrogen
therapy.
Estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are also prescription drugs that
come in pill form. These focus on helping maintain bone density and
frequently acts the same as estrogen does, without some of the same
risks that are associated with estrogen therapy.
Low-dose antidepressants are used by some. They are in a class called
SSRIs or serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They are known to help with the
depression and sometimes with hot flashes but not necessarily the other
symptoms that go with menopause.
Certain patches can be used, although they were originally designed to
treat high blood pressure, they have proven to be effective. The down
side is that they can cause rather unpleasant side effects.
There are also vaginal rings, creams and tablets. These are used to
assist with the vaginal dryness because they release small amounts of
estrogen, but they can cause additional urinary infections.
With all of the potential minor and major side effects that can occur
with any HRT use, many women have decided to go the natural route. A
variety of herbs and natural remedies have been used and/or tested for
quite a while. It is believed that soy foods may help balance hormone
levels. Other herbs that some say help with the symptoms are flaxseed,
black cohosh, Vitamin E, Vitamin B and even evening primrose.
As in all medical issues, there are pros and cons on both sides of the
debates. There are no hard and fast rules regarding HRT. It would be
much easier to deal with if there were. However, only you can decide
what options are best for you and the best way for you to decide is to
be informed on all the different treatments that are available. Your
personal medical or health background will have a direct impact on your
decision. Make sure if you are thinking about any form of hormone
replacement therapy to make menopause easier to deal with, talk to your
physician or health care provider. Learn all of the risks associated
with each choice. An educated decision is always the right decision. |
