Experts provide that hot flushes are not just fleeting problem but it can last for many years. Thus, the key is to look for a solution to resolve the issue and survive.
But why do less than 5% of women take the hormone replacement treatment for the hot flushes? Gynecology experts believe that HRT can bring various benefits to the body. Meanwhile, some doctors strongly disagree with prescribing estrogen to their patients and they believe that it is dangerous. Thus, in this article, you will know of the various things about hormone replacement therapy:
It is Not Always Available in Pill Form
You can think of progesterone as a weed killer and estrogen as a fertilizer. During your menstruation, estrogen will start to build the uterus’ lining. If you are not pregnant, progesterone will start to build up.
After the menopausal period, if you are not taking estrogen, you will have to take progesterone as well. If the ground is taking the fertilizer, you also have to give the weed killer. If you don’t take progesterone, you can be at risk of developing uterine cancer. For women who have their uterus removed, there is no need to take progesterone.
Meanwhile, synthetic progesterone known as progestin which is usually available in pills or patches can increase the risk of breast cancer, especially in older woman. Such is the reason why many of the patients are choosing IUD with progestin so they can put the weed killer directly to the lawn and less on the overall system.
For patients who do not experience hot flushes, they will only need the local estrogen. Hormone replacement therapy may help relieve hot symptoms of menopause. You can apply it directly on the vagina as a cream or take the tablet instead. Local estrogen will not help relieve all the symptoms but it can help resolve discomfort and dryness. Vaginal estrogen will not enter the bloodstream, thus, it will not affect the uterus and breasts.
Those with a history of uterine, endometrial, and breast cancer must check with their doctors whether or not local estrogen is the best options for them.
Confusion in the Early 2000s News
The news that says that hormone replacement therapy is bad comes from a 2002 study. According to the study, HRT can increase the risk of having a stroke, breast cancer, and heart attack. Today, experts agree that the results are exaggerated. 70% of the woman in the study ages 60 and above. Woman ages 60 and above have more health concerns versus those aging 50 years old and below.
You Must Have the Right Timing
The longer you wait to begin the Hormone Replacement Therapy, the higher the chance that you will face age-related health problems. Examples of this are belly fat and clogged arteries. Furthermore, you will be at risk of experiencing health conditions.
In such a case, if it has been 10 years or more since the last day of your menstruation, then HRT might not be the best option that you can have. However, if you are healthy and it has been 5 years since your last period, then you might try HRT. If you are somewhere in the middle, you must check with your doctor before asking for a prescription.
Why should you wait for the 5 years? When you look at woman ages 50 to 60 year old in the study, HRT can decrease the risk of having fractures and heart diseases. It will make no difference in the risk of breast cancer if the participant has been taking HRT for 5 years or more.
The Advantages Outweigh the Disadvantages
Some patients are willing to trade the risk of breast cancer and heart disease than severe hot flashes. This is a calculated risk that some woman is willing to make. As such, you must check with your doctor your symptoms are evolving.
If you want to calculate that equation, then you have to see a menopause expert. It’s no surprise that who consult an ob-gyn would opt for HRT versus those who consult with a general physician. Sometimes, a seasoned ob-gyn might not be updated on the latest findings of HRT research. If you think that HRT is dangerous without acknowledging other opinions that you have, then you can check for other specialists.
Conclusion
In sum, you have to understand that there are risks with HRT. The most prevalent issue is there is an increased risk of breast cancer with HRT. The benefits are higher for those who started HRT 10 years after a menopausal period. Meanwhile, it can bring side effects in the start and if they become persistent then you must go ahead and see your doctor.
