What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hot flashes. Night sweats. Mood swings. Vaginal dryness. Painful intercourse. For women experiencing these and other unpleasant symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, hormone therapy can provide relief.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the use of medication to supplement estrogen in the body. It is also used to prevent bone loss in some postmenopausal women.
Hormone therapy may be systemic, meaning it is absorbed throughout the body and treats those symptoms that affect the body as a whole, or low-dose vaginal products that are used to treat vaginal and urinary symptoms only. Systemic treatments may come in pill, patch, ring, gel, cream or spray form, while vaginal treatments are usually a cream, tablet or ring.
Women who have not had a hysterectomy will likely be prescribed progesterone or progestin along with estrogen because estrogen alone can stimulate the growth of endometrial tissue and increase the risk for endometrial cancer. Women who have undergone a hysterectomy do not need to take progesterone or progestin.
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?
You should discuss your symptoms and family health history with Dr. Robison to determine if hormone therapy is right for you. Dr. Robison may also discuss alternative treatments for your perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.