Your Guide to Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy

The onset of menopause can present a lot of challenges not only for women, but their surrounding family; because sudden mood changes, anxiety and possibly, depression could have a damaging effect on the whole family structure. There are various methods available these days to mitigate the effects of menopause – the most recognized being Hormone Replacement Therapy. Any leading emergency hospital in Dubai or otherwise would advise women to take up this therapy as evidence shows that it’s generally harmless and has little to no long-term effects.

So, what Exactly is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

It’s a form of medication that supplants female fertility hormones, i.e., estrogen and progesterone. At the onset of menopause, the body stops producing these hormones, which leads to a wide range of symptoms; including hot flashes and irritation. It also prevents osteoporosis – a condition that results in weak bone structures. Despite the therapy’s proven benefits, it is advised to consult a gynecology and obstetrics expert before taking up the treatment.

Risks Associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy

Like with every type of therapy, there are certain risks associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy. These vary from woman to woman and could depend on the type of hormone therapy, the dosage, the individual’s health and the duration of the therapy.

For optimum results, you should seek the advice of specialists from an obstetrics and gynecology department – who will create a tailored roadmap based on your medical history and current health status.

The Different Types of Hormone Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy can be categorized into Estrogen/Progesterone Therapy and Low-dose Estrogen Therapy:

Estrogen/Progesterone Therapy

In Estrogen/Progesterone Therapy or EPT, your specialist would recommend a large but balanced dose of estrogen and progesterone that will function in harmony to supplant your body’s estrogen and progesterone. It can be ingested in the form of a pill or a spray. 

It provides relief from a variety of menopausal symptoms, including vaginal irritation, night sweats, hot flashes and even the early onset of Osteoporosis. Estrogen and Progesterone Therapy is also proven by research to significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Low-dose Estrogen Therapy

As the name suggests, in a Low-dose Estrogen Therapy, the expert prescribes a dose of estrogen alone to be taken as a pill or patch on a daily basis. As the most common form of Hormone Replacement Therapy treatment, a lower dose of estrogen also helps to alleviate numerous menopausal symptoms.

What are all the Benefits of Hormone Therapy?

If taken under the supervision of a specialist, Hormone Replacement Therapy has demonstrated to offer relief from the following menopausal symptoms:

• Night flashes
• Dry & itchy skin
• Vaginal dryness & soreness
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Breast soreness 

In addition, Hormone Replacement Therapy offers the following benefits to the overall function of your body:

• Improves morale
• Reduces risk of Diabetes
• Prevents tooth loss
• Lowers risk of colon cancer
• Prolongs life for women who take it up in their early 50s

Who Shouldn’t take Hormone Therapy

While it is generally a safe procedure for a majority of women, there are certain scenarios where Hormone Replacement Therapy should be avoided. Your specialist won’t prescribe it to you if you have had the following:

• Breast Cancer or breast reduction surgery
• Endometrial Cancer
• Abnormal and/or excessive vaginal bleeding
• History of stroke or risk developing cardiovascular diseases
• Conditions associated with the liver

Is there a Time Frame Associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy?

While there’s no set duration, your specialist would always start with the lowest dosage of progesterone to monitor your body’s response. In accordance, they will then outline a tailored plan for you. In the unlikely scenario that you develop a condition whilst taking the therapy, your provider will assess your condition to determine if it is safe for you to continue with the therapy.

In Dubai, there are numerous healthcare facilities offering Hormone Replacement Therapy from a case-to-case basis. This is because the benefits of the treatment vastly outweigh the risks. With that said, it is important to have an open discussion with your caregiver to discuss factors that will determine the outcome of the therapy, such as your age, family history, personal medical history and the extent of your menopausal symptoms. Also, speak with them about the lifestyle changes you’ll have to embrace following the treatment, including dietary changes, weight management, exercise and alternative options.

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