Did you know a treatment exists and is available to help you reduce menopause symptoms and even prevent some illnesses? It is hormone replacement therapy or more commonly known as HRT. Here, we are going to explain in an easy, straightforward manner its benefits (1, 2).

What is hormone replacement therapy?

It is a specialised treatment typically used to balance out hormone levels during or close to menopause (1, 2). Overall, it involves administering systemic hormones - specifically oestrogen and progesterone (2). There are four types of hormone replacement therapy (3): 

• Oestrogen-only: this process is usually reserved for women that do not have a uterus  
• Cyclical or sequential: in this therapy, hormone doses adapt to menstrual cycle phases. It is commonly used in women experiencing perimenopause. 
• Continuous therapy combines oestrogen and progesterone in a continuous manner and it suitable for postmenopausal women. 
• Local oestrogen: this process consists of creams, tablets, gels or rings that carry the hormone. They are applied locally in the genital area and help ease vaginal symptoms of menopause. 

Who are ideal candidates for hormone replacement therapy?

It can be a suitable option for many women. The main criteria taken into consideration to start taking it includes (1, 4): 

• Having hot flushes, vaginal dryness or other symptoms of menopause. 
• Needing to prevent osteoporosis. 

Benefits of the treatment

By stabilizing hormone levels, this therapy offers physical and mental health benefits, such as (2, 5,6): 

• Helping reduces hot flashes and night sweats.  
• Contributing to improving genital and urinary-related symptoms, like vaginal dryness, genital burning, urine leakage, and discomfort during sexual relations. 
• It may help to improve mood by providing a sense of wellness. 
• Evidence suggests that this therapy may aid in preventing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of broken bones. 
• Assists in reducing mortality, and some heart disease if implemented before 60-years-old or during the first ten years of menopause. 
• Eliminating the need to take multiple treatments to alleviate menopause symptoms. 

Moreover, having healthy habits in everyday life can complement such benefits. Specifically, a healthy diet and weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking (7). The central premise of this treatment is to use the lowest doses during the shortest time possible. However, women with severe symptoms, a high risk of osteoporosis, and colon or rectal cancer can benefit from extending it. Your medical specialist is responsible for this decision (7). 

Side effects of hormone replacement therapy

Even though this therapy helps some menopause signs and symptoms, it can also have some side effects, such as (8): 

• Acne. 
• Leg cramps. 
• Abdominal, back, or lumbar pain. 
• Digestive issues, including nausea and vomiting. 
• Excessive breast soreness or tenderness. 
• Headaches. 
• Mood swings. 
• Depression.  
• Swelling, particularly in areas like the breasts or the legs. 
• Vaginal bleeding. 

Usually, side effects are mild and short-lived. Plus, they tend to disappear within a few weeks of starting the therapy. However, some people may experience them more severely. In case they fail to improve, people should consult a physician (8). 

General contraindications

This type of therapy may have adverse effects as with any medical treatment and in addition to the benefits there can be some risks. is not usually recommended for patients that have had breast cancer. Other medical conditions may also have a bearing on HRT so do discuss options with your doctor so they can give you advice that is personal to you.   

Hormone replacement therapy is a useful treatment for women experiencing menopause symptoms. It can help to ease many of the signature symptoms of this stage. Always consult with a doctor. 

References

1. Harper-Harrison G, Carlson K, Shanahan MM. Hormone Replacement Therapy. [Updated 2024 Aug 11]. StatPearls [Internet]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493191/ 
2. National Cancer Institute- NCI. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Cancer. 2023 (cited 2024 Sep 13). Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/hormones/mht-fact-sheet 
3. Brazier Y. Hormone replacement therapy: Uses, types, and alternatives [Internet]. Medical News Today. 2023 [cited 2024 Sep 13]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181726   
4. Mayo Clinic. Hormone therapy: Is it right for you? [Internet] 2022 (cited 2024 Sep 13). Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/in-depth/hormone-therapy/art-20046372   
5. Genazzani AR, Monteleone P, Giannini A, Simoncini T. Hormone therapy in the postmenopausal years: considering benefits and risks in clinical practice. Hum Reprod Update [Internet]. 2021;27(6):1115–50. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmab026   
6. Langer RD, Hodis HN, Lobo RA, Allison MA. Hormone replacement therapy – where are we now? Climacteric [Internet]. 2021;24(1):3–10. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2020.1851183   
7. Hormone replacement therapy [Internet]. familydoctor.org. 2022 [cited 2024 Sep 13]. Available from: https://familydoctor.org/hormone-replacement-therapy/ 
8. MedLine Plus. Estrogen and Progestin (Hormone Replacement Therapy) [Internet]. 2024 (cited 2024 Sep 13). Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601041.html