Hormone treatment (HT) treats menopausal symptoms, however, when you go for HT, the choice is influenced by factors such as age, family and personal medical history, and the severity of the symptoms. For an informed decision, consult your healthcare professional for new york menopause.
What is HT used to treat?
A fun fact: our ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, which influence a variety of biological activities such as uterine lining preparation, bone health, cholesterol levels, vaginal health, and pregnancy support. In a way, these hormones also support a lot of our day-to-day activities.
HT is used to treat symptoms caused by diminishing hormone levels during menopause. HT can lower symptoms like hot flashes, nocturnal sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
What are the types of hormone treatments?
There is Estrogen Therapy, in which estrogen is administered alone in forms such as pills, patches, creams, or gel. Then there is Estrogen Progesterone/Progestin Hormone Therapy (EPT), in which estrogen and progesterone (or progestin) are combined. The goal is to utilize the least amount of estrogen that is helpful for symptom alleviation and osteoporosis prevention.
Factors that can affect HT:
It is important to remember that the existence or absence of a uterus influences HT selection. So, if you have a uterus, you must combine progesterone and estrogen to prevent uterine cancer. Progesterone thins the uterine lining, lowering the risk of cancer. Progesterone thins the uterine lining, lowering the risk of cancer. When your uterus is removed (hysterectomy), progesterone is usually not required since estrogen alone poses less long-term hazards than combination medication.
Which medications are used?
Postmenopausal hormones commonly used include estrogen in tablet form (Cenestin®, Estrace®), cream form (Estrace®, Premarin®), patch form (Climara®, Vivelle-Dot®), spray form (Evamist®), and combination EPT pills (Activella®, Angeliq®), and patch form (CombiPatch®). Additionally, Intrarosa® vaginal inserts with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are also prescribed.
Are there any benefits?
HT also has additional health benefits, such as it can help lower chance of osteoporosis and bone fractures, increased mood and mental well-being, less tooth loss, a lower risk of colon cancer and diabetes, minor relief from joint problems, and a lower death rate for women who begin HT in their 50s.
Final thoughts:
Hormone treatment (HT) has no time limit. So you should instead, focus on the lowest effective dose. It is important to assess your health on a regular basis in New York. Consult your provider if new medical concerns occur during HT to ensure its continuing safety.