HRT, the Hormone replacement treatment, has gained popularity for all the right reasons. If you are a woman who has hit perimenopause( the transitional stage of menopause), you might be wondering whether you need Hormone Replacement Therapy or Not.
You are not alone here, as every year in the US, 1.5 million women enter the perimenopause stage, which can start as early as 30 years of age. Menopause can naturally occur over time or can occur overnight if you get your uterus and ovaries removed surgically due to other reasons.
So, How can Hormone Replacement Therapy Help with Perimenopause and menopause, and when should you get it?
Let us Find Out.
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Estrogen and progesterone are two important hormones that play very important roles in a woman’s body. The hormone progesterone plays a key role in supporting pregnancy and maintaining a healthy uterus. In addition to its reproductive functions, estrogen plates play a very important role in protecting bone health, reducing cholesterol levels, and supporting brain function through glucose metabolism. Along with that, estrogen also ensures the vaginal lining remains healthy.
When we see how Estrogen works, it is clear that the decline of estrogen will impact not only the menstrual cycle and reproduction but also a lot of other systems within the body. That is why Hormone Replacement therapy can help a lot to manage a lot of symptoms associated with menopause.
Experiencing extreme menopausal symptoms might leave you desperately looking for solutions. Deciding whether to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a highly individualized choice, depending on each woman’s unique needs and potential risk factors.
Hormone Replacement Therapy helps women reduce their menopausal symptoms, brain fog, mood swings, hot flashes, and insomnia by restoring their hormone levels.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) typically includes estrogen, and if you still have your uterus, you’ll also need a hormone called progestin (progesterone). Estrogen can be administered in different forms, such as pills, skin patches, or gels.
If you are prescribed progesterone, it might be combined with estrogen in a single pill or patch, but it’s more commonly provided separately to avoid any unexpected bleeding.
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If you are experiencing troublesome menopause symptoms, it might be a good idea to speak with a board-certified physician of internal medicine, like Dr. Virpal Thiara, about the possibility of starting HRT.
The decision to begin HRT is entirely up to you, and you don’t have to wait until your symptoms are intense or your periods have completely stopped.
At Haven Medspa, Dr. Virpal Thiara can guide you through the potential benefits and risks and help you make an informed choice.
Let’s take a look at another reason for starting HRT.
If you are going through premature menopause, which generally occurs before you hit the age of 40, or early menopause before the age of 45, it is the right time to start HRT.
This therapy will increase your estrogen levels and protect you from potential Osteoporosis. In these types of cases, you will probably be advised to take Hormone Replacement therapy until you are 51 years old.
This is something that varies as there is no fixed age limit or time limit for taking HRT. Once you start, you will have to be under the guidance of a certified physician. Your physician will review your treatment at the end of the year and decide whether you need to stop or continue.
For symptoms like hot flashes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is typically needed for 2 to 5 years, though some individuals may require it for a longer period.
It’s important to continue HRT only as long as the benefits surpass the potential risks. This decision depends on factors such as your symptoms, age, and any existing risk factors.
Now that we are weighing out the risks and benefits of HRT let’s get a broader look at it.
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Let’s start with the benefits of starting the HRT for a woman.
The popular and well-known benefit of HRT is obviously getting relief from the symptoms of Menopause. Besides that, studies show that HRT can also protect your bones. A study involving over 25,000 postmenopausal women aged 50-79 revealed that hormone therapy helped lower the risk of fractures.
HRT can be even more beneficial for the bone health of women who have their ovaries and uterus removed by surgery before the age of 45. Women who undergo “surgical menopause” face an increased risk of bone loss and developing osteoporosis.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may offer protection to your brain by safeguarding nerve cells. When estrogen levels drop during menopause, the brain’s ability to use glucose—our primary energy source—declines. To compensate, the brain begins to rely on fats, or lipids, for energy. Unfortunately, it sources these fats from the brain’s white matter to produce ketones, which the liver creates to supply energy.
Suppose the hormone replacement treatment is started before menopause begins, during the perimenopause phase. In that case, it can reduce the likelihood of this energy shift and lower a woman’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by half. However, once menopause is reached, HRT seems to lose this protective benefit for the brain.
The benefits of HRT are many, but this wonderful treatment also comes with some of its risks.
After the age of 60, the benefits of HRT might not seem like much as the risks start to show up. After this age, the symptoms of menopause start to ease up, and HRT is not needed at this age.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) carries certain risks, including stroke, blood clots, and cancer. The level of risk can vary based on factors such as your age, medical background, the specific hormones you use, and how they are administered.
If you have a uterus, it’s essential to use combination therapy (both estrogen and progesterone) to lower the risk of uterine cancer. However, the American Cancer Society points out that this hormone combination might also raise your risk of breast cancer.
After the age of 60, if you still want to continue with Hormone replacement in Yuba City and Lincoln, CA, get in touch with a certified physician who might suggest lowering your dosage to reduce risks.
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If you are considering Hormone replacement in Yuba City and Lincoln, CA, Haven Medspa is here to guide you through every step. With over 15 years of experience serving the Yuba-Sutter community, Dr. Virpal Thiara, a board-certified internal medicine physician, is dedicated to helping you achieve your best health.
If you have stepped into perimenopause or are looking for relief from menopausal symptoms, HRT could be the solution you need. Dr. Thiara will work with you to take care of your needs and discuss the benefits of HRT that are right for you. Contact Haven Medspa today.
