What Type Of HRT Is Right For You
As a woman reaches menopause, the level of estrogen falls, bringing in bodily discomforts. The most common symptoms are vaginal dryness and hot flashes. This can cause pain during sexual intercourse and result in sweating excessively at night. Although the menopause is a normal biological process, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective way to suppress the worst of the symptoms. In some women, the symptoms do not visibly show and might go away without any form of therapy. However, if they cause unbearable discomfort, consider one of the following HRT procedures. They not only relieve pain but also bring down the hormonal imbalance in the body.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an HRT to Use
A woman’s body undergoes different changes when approaching
menopause. HRT treatment aims to balance the hormones estrogen and
progesterone. Others require supplementary sex hormones owing to the intensity
of the symptoms. The following are some of the factors influencing the type of
HRT to use.
• Symptoms
depicted – women with vagina itchiness can use creams for a faster reaction. If
it is sweating, they can use pills or any other medication that helps alleviate
the discomfort.
• Allergy –
some women react to different chemical compounds. Before administration, ensure
that the medication doesn’t affect normal body functioning.
• Type of
medication – choose among pills, creams, gels, and skin patches. Each has its
advantages and may work faster to alleviate the situation.
Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Estrogen Pills
These are the most common form of HRT as they are
self-administered and widely available. A tablet per day is enough for therapy,
allowing women to carry on with their daily errands. Both estrogen and
estrogen/progesterone HRT come in pills.
Pros
• It is the
most popular form of menopausal hormone therapy.
• Easily
administered.
Cons
Chances of blood clots are higher in HRT pills than in the
other therapy procedures.
Skin Patches
These are also a common therapy procedure where the patient
sticks them on their body. However, the patches must be replaced after a few
days to maintain their effect on the hormonal imbalance.
Pros
• Convenient
as they do not require daily checks.
• Have
fewer side effects compared to other HRT procedures, improving its effectiveness.
Cons
Redness or skin irritation, and might leave a sticky mark
when removing it.
Topical Treatments (Gel, Cream, Spray)
Topical treatments are an increasingly growing trend among
women as they are easy to use. However, they must be applied to the skin at
least once a day. For a good outcome, talk to a physician to get the best for
the condition.
Pros
• Easy and
convenient to apply.
• Reduces
the chances of HRT side effects, among them blood clots.
Cons
If the woman still has a womb, they have to take progesterone
separately to reduce the chances of getting womb cancer.
Vaginal Suppositories
The process involves inserting the pessary or ring inside
the vagina. Its content dissolves, doing away with vaginal dryness. Vaginal
suppositories work well, especially with vaginal dryness.
