About this topic
Hormone replacement therapy is also called HRT. As you get older, your body makes less estrogen and progesterone and then you to stop having periods. This time is called menopause. Menopause often starts when you are around 45 years old. You may not have any problems with menopause. If you have signs that bother you, the doctor may order HRT to help with your signs. You may have signs like: ‚
- Changes in the monthly period before it stops. Periods can get shorter or longer.
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
- Vaginal dryness, thinning, and other changes which may make sex painful
- Mood swings
- Bone loss
General
Types of HRT ‚
- Estrogen therapy ¢ ˆ ’ You may take estrogen alone if you do not have a uterus. You want to take the smallest amount you can for a short amount of time.
- Progestin-estrogen therapy ¢ ˆ ’ Also known as combination therapy and uses both estrogen and progesterone. You want to take the smallest amount you can for a short amount of time.
Ways to Get Estrogen ‚
- A pill by mouth
- A tablet or ring in the vagina
- Patch to place on the skin
- Gel, cream, or spray in the vagina
- Implant where the drug is placed under the skin
What Are the Benefits of HRT? ‚
- Helps ease night sweats, vaginal problems, and hot flashes
- Helps avoid bone loss
Who Should Use HRT? ‚
- Healthy women who have bad or very bad problems from menopause
Who Should Not Use HRT? ‚
You should not take HRT if you: ‚
- Have or had breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer
- Have or had heart disease or stroke
- Have or had blood clots
- Cant control high blood pressure
- Have liver problems
- Smoke. You should stop smoking before taking HRT.
- Don't have bad side effects from menopause
- May be pregnant
What Are the Side Effects of HRT? ‚
- Period may come back
- Spotting
- Breast soreness or breast swelling
- Cramping or bloating
- Risk of breast cancer
- Blood clots in legs or lungs
- Skin irritation with patch
- Changes in mood
- Upset stomach
- Headaches
Will there be any other care needed?
- Exercise regularly. Exercise can help boost your mood and make you feel better. Try to do 30 minutes of moderate activity, like a brisk walk, most days.
- Wear loose clothing at bedtime. Sleep in a cool, well-ventilated room.
- Limit spicy foods, caffeine, and beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) to lessen your hot flashes.
- Quit smoking. Not smoking can help reduce hot flashes. Smoking also raises your risk of having serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.
- Try relaxation. Imagery and deep breathing can help menopause signs.
What problems could happen?
- Breast cancer
- Blood clots
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Uterine cancer
Where can I learn more?
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/women/pht_facts.pdf ‚
National Institute on Aging ‚
http://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/TipSheet_HormonesAndMenopause_0.pdf ‚
U.S. Food and Drug Administration ‚
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForWomen/ucm118624.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚