Understanding the ABCs of HRT

Are you a woman navigating your late 40s or early 50s? If so, you're likely on familiar terms with menopause. As you start dealing with different symptoms of menopause, you might come across HRT! HRT stands for Hormone Replacement Therapy. Did you know? Most of the symptoms you experience during menopause are due to declining levels of oestrogen. Many women experience different symptoms such as, hot flashes and night sweats, leading to insomnia, like vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. Emotionally, mood swings, depression, and irritability are common. While these symptoms vary in intensity and duration for each woman, HRT can help manage them effectively.

In this blog, we understand what HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy is and how it can help manage symptoms of Menopause.

Let's understand HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy. As the name suggests, it's a method to replace hormones. You might experience the symptoms due to low levels of oestrogen. HRT helps to replace the hormones your body is not making enough of. But you need to discuss it with your gynaecologist before starting HRT.

Oestrogen Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) comes in various forms to suit different preferences and needs. You can opt for oral pills, which are swallowed daily, or choose from several topical applications. These include patches that adhere to your skin, gels that you rub in, or even a spray that's applied to your arm. For those who prefer vaginal applications, there are rings you can insert, creams you can apply, or tablets designed for vaginal use. Each method has its advantages, and your healthcare provider can help you determine which option might work best for your specific situation and symptoms.

Combination Therapy

This type of HRT combines oestrogen and progesterone (or progestin, the term for all hormones that act like progesterone, including synthetic ones). If you still have a uterus, you'll need to take progestin along with oestrogen.

Progestins are important because they help lower the risk of uterine cancer. During your reproductive years, the uterine lining sheds during menstruation. When your periods stop, the lining no longer sheds, and oestrogen alone can cause the lining to thicken too much, which could lead to cancer. Adding progestin helps prevent this overgrowth and reduces the cancer risk.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) might offer a way to manage the symptoms and help you feel more like yourself again. Whether you choose oestrogen-only therapy or a combination approach, it's essential to have an open discussion with your gynaecologist. The symptoms are worst during the first five years of menopause. As the years progress, your body starts getting used to the lower levels of oestrogen. After understanding your requirements, the doctor can start reducing the dose of HRT and once the symptoms become negligible, you can discontinue hormone replacement.