Hormone Replacement Therapy : Ward off those Menopausal Pains

Menopause can be a difficult time for any woman. With so many hormonal changes going on in the body, it’s tough to cope with the various symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, palpitations, mood swings etc. Just as every woman’s body is different and unique, every woman goes through different symptoms when going through menopause. Some may not even experience any symptom or discomfort, while some may struggle with them. In addition, there is no fixed age at which women stop menstruating. It can vary significantly- some may find themselves going through it in their late 30s while some may not experience it till well in their 60s. There are many treatments available to women to help them cope with these changes, one of them being hormone replacement therapy. Here’re some of the most frequently asked questions about HRT for menopause:
How does HRT work?
In HRT, women are given doses of the hormones progesterone and estrogen either orally or by injections. These hormones are usually produced by a woman’s ovaries, but after menopause, they stop being produced. The decrease in levels of these two hormones cause the resulting symptoms associated with menopause, and therefore by giving these artificially, the effects of these symptoms are reduced significantly.
What do progesterone and estrogen do in the body?
The hormone estrogen helps keep the uterine walls thick to prepare the uterus for possible implantation during the monthly menstrual cycle. If the egg released by the ovary is fertilised, it nests itself in the thickened line of the uterus. Estrogn also helps moderate the levels of calcium in the body. That’s why menopausal women need to be especially careful of their calcium levels to prevent developing osteoporosis and arthritis.
The hormone progesterone is usually also given as part of HRT to help prevent the risk of cancer of the endometrium. If an egg is not fertilised, the lining of the uterus breaks down resulting in a period. However, when estrogen is given during HRT, the lining is thickened, and does not break down. This may result in cancerous cell development. Progesterone is given to help prevent this. It may cause menstruation in some women as well.
What are the side effects of HRT?
There are some side-effects associated with hormone replacement therapy. These include:
·         May increases chances of cancer of the endometrium if progesterone is not taken
·         May increase chances of developing cancer of the breasts
·         May increase chances of diseases of the heart
·         May increase chances of clotting of the blood
Will HRT work for me?
Before starting hormone replacement therapy, it’s a good idea to speak to a doctor first. Every body is different and responds differently to HRT. Depending upon your current health, history of health and any other ailments you may be suffering from, the doctor will be able to recommend the right medication and dosage for you. Never buy over-the-counter medicines and start injecting yourself- always visit the doctor and get expert advice.
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About The Author:
Ray Lehigh is a person with great passion for writing; he has written many articles on different topics like diets for weight loss. You can look out for more on his other blogs related to health and beauty.
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