Is Hormone Therapy (HT) Safe?

Hormone replacement therapy (HT) is medical treatment to help manage the symptoms of menopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause. During perimenopause your ovaries gradually stop producing estrogen, which causes symptoms in many women, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, mood swings, and painful sex.  HT has benefits beyond symptom relief, but it also has risks for some women or if used for too many years.  Recent research has evaluated risks and suggested parameters for safer usage.

How Does HT Work?

Hormone therapy (HT) works by replacing the hormones your body naturally produces. Think of it as giving your body a little extra support during menopause.

• Estrogen-Only Therapy: This is typically prescribed for women who’ve had a hysterectomy. It comes in various forms like pills, patches, gels, or sprays. 
• Combined Hormone Therapy (CHT): This option combines estrogen with progestin. Progestin helps protect the lining of the uterus and reduces the risk of uterine cancer. CHT can be taken daily (continuous combined therapy) or cyclically, with progestin added for a certain number of days each month.
• Local Estrogen Therapy: For women with vaginal dryness, local estrogen therapy (like creams or vaginal rings) can provide relief without affecting the entire body.

By understanding these different types of HT, you can work with your doctor to find the best option for your specific needs.

Who Can Benefit from HT?

HT can be a game-changer for women experiencing severe menopausal symptoms. It’s particularly effective in alleviating hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Some studies even suggest that HT can improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms. While not every woman needs HT, those who are struggling with debilitating symptoms, and aren’t finding relief through lifestyle changes, may find relief through this treatment. If your symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life, it’s worth discussing HT with your healthcare provider.

The Balancing Act of HT: Relief and Risks

HT can be a powerful tool for managing some of the not-so-fun parts of menopause, like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Plus, it might even help with mood swings and sleep! However, HT isn’t a magic bullet. There are some potential downsides to consider, especially for women with a history of certain health conditions. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your individual situation to see if HT is the right choice for you. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Benefits: Relief from bothersome symptoms, potential mood improvement, and possibly reduced risk of bone loss—and heart attacks, when taken as combined therapy by women who are younger than 60 and within 10 years of menopause.  
• Risks: Increased risk of blood clots for some women, and a small chance of developing other health problems depending on your medical history. Anyone who has had breast or endometrial cancer, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, or liver disease may not be able to take systemic hormone therapy.
• Side Effects: Similar to those of starting birth control pills.  Vaginal spotting or bleeding, headaches, bloating, and temporary breast soreness may happen.  Spotting or bleeding usually stops within 6 months of starting treatment.

The good news? Recent research suggests the benefits of HT for women under 60 often outweigh the risks, especially when started between ages 50 and 60. This is different from earlier studies that focused on older women and much higher hormone doses.

Talking to Your Doctor

If you’re struggling with severe menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can assess your individual situation and discuss whether HT is the right choice for you. Remember, your medical history and lifestyle factors play a significant role in determining your risk of potential side effects. If you’re not a good candidate for HT, your doctor can recommend alternative strategies to manage your symptoms, such as:

• Lifestyle Changes: Eating a healthy diet, staying active, and managing stress may help alleviate some menopausal symptoms.
• Over-the-Counter Remedies: Lubricants and moisturizers can help with vaginal dryness, while cooling products can provide relief from hot flashes.
• Prescription Medications: In some cases, medications like antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be helpful in managing hot flashes and mood swings.

So, Is HT Right for You?

If your life is disrupted by menopause symptoms, talk to your health care provider about HT and what’s the best way to alleviate your symptoms. Don’t forget, our expert Nurse Care Advocates are here to help. Book a consultation today and let’s work together to create a personalized plan for your health and well-being.