Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be prescribed by a doctor to treat symptoms of menopause or low hormone levels in both men and women. Whether a doctor will prescribe HRT depends on several factors.
The decision to start HRT should be made after a thoughtful discussion between you and your doctor weighing the benefits and risks. HRT can help relieve symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances that can significantly reduce quality of life. For some people, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks.
Doctors may prescribe estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progestin. The type, dose, and schedule of HRT will be tailored to your needs and health history. Estrogen is prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms in women who have had a hysterectomy. For women with an intact uterus, progestin is prescribed with estrogen to prevent overgrowth of the uterine lining, which can increase the risk of uterine cancer.
Doctors can prescribe HRT in various forms including pills, patches, gels, sprays, implants, and vaginal creams or rings. Your doctor will recommend the best delivery method for your needs. Oral HRT is convenient but may increase risk of blood clots. Transdermal forms like patches and gels reduce this risk. Localized treatments like vaginal estrogen avoid systemic effects.
Before prescribing HRT, your doctor will review your health history, risk factors, and preferences. They will consider any previous history of breast cancer, heart disease, blood clots, stroke, liver disease, and osteoporosis. Your doctor will also ask about your menopausal symptoms and their impact on your quality of life. Certain health conditions may rule out HRT as an option.
Regular follow-up is important if you start HRT. Your doctor will monitor you for potential side effects like vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea, and headache, especially within the first few months. They may adjust your dose or type of HRT to minimize side effects. Routine check-ups, mammograms, and bloodwork will help assess ongoing safety of the medication for you.
The duration of HRT that your doctor recommends will depend on your symptoms and risk factors. For short-term relief of menopausal symptoms, HRT may be prescribed for 1-5 years. Longer term therapy may be appropriate for some people, especially those at higher risk of osteoporosis. Your doctor can advise on the ideal length of treatment to get the benefits while minimizing health risks that may increase over time.
If you are considering hormone replacement, have an open discussion with your doctor. Share your symptoms and health history so they can determine if HRT is suitable for your situation. Ask about the types of hormones used in HRT and the different options for delivery like pills, patches, gels, and more. Understand the potential health risks along with the benefits. Stay in close contact with your doctor to monitor your progress on HRT and make adjustments to your treatment as needed.
With the guidance of your doctor, hormone replacement therapy can be a safe option to relieve troublesome menopausal or low hormone symptoms. The experienced physicians at Balance Hormone Clinic can perform the necessary health evaluations and lab tests to determine if HRT is right for you. We offer comprehensive hormone replacement programs tailored to your unique needs, using bioidentical hormones for the most natural results. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss whether hormone therapy could help you feel healthy and energized again.
