During menopause, the estrogen level falls. Many women complain of uncomfortable symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT is an effective treatment for handling menopause symptoms. However, it is not a single formula that suits everybody. Multiple therapies form a part of Hormone Replacement Therapy. If you want relief from the signs of menopause or to Treat Menopause, understanding the pros and cons of HRT or hormone replacement therapy may assist you in deciding whether it is correct for you.
Estrogen therapy to Treat Menopause
When you observe menopause symptoms after hysterectomy, that is, surgery for removing the uterus, doctors suggest low-dose estrogen. You may find this in different forms like pills, patches, topical and vaginal cream. Depending on your requirement and medical condition, the doctor might advise you one of these options. Let’s look at each of the pointers in detail.
- Estrogen pill: Pills are a typical treatment for menopause symptoms. Among the different forms of tablets available, conjugated estrogen is very popular. You must follow the instructions of your doctor when it comes to dosage. Most of these pills are recommended once every day without food. However, you have other options that come with a complicated dose schedule, and therefore you have to follow the instructions of your physician.
- Estrogen patch: Apply an Estrogen patch on the skin of the lower abdomen. Depending on your condition, the doctor may recommend low-dose estrogen patches for reducing the symptoms of menopause. Some patches get replaced every few days, and others after weeks based on the dose. NovaGenix says a combination of progestin and estrogen patches is more helpful.
- Topical estrogen: Gels, creams, and sprays are other ways to supply estrogen. Similar to patches, this estrogen treatment gets absorbed through your skin. Hence, it creates an immediate impact on the bloodstream. However, the application technique of the cream varies from one patient to the other. It depends on the symptom of menopause, and the doctor will recommend you the correct process.
- Vaginal estrogen: Vaginal estrogen is available in the form of vaginal tablets, vaginal rings, and cream form. In general, the treatment is for individuals suffering from vaginal dryness, pain, burning, and irritation during intercourse. Although you have vaginal tablets, rings, and cream, the dosage may vary among different individuals. Sometimes, the doctor advises applying the cream regularly, while others might ask you to use it alternately.
Estrogen therapy effectively deals with menopause symptoms, and doctors suggest different doses of estrogen, depending on your medical condition and symptoms.
Progesterone hormone therapy to Treat Menopause
Now, coming to the second most popular therapy, also known as combination therapy. It combines progestin and estrogen and is for a woman with uterus. It is usually for birth control and treats menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. You have two processes over here. One is an oral progestin, and the second is intrauterine progestin. Oral progestin is taken in tablet form and includes different types of pills. You may relieve most of the menopausal symptoms using this method.
The intrauterine progestin is a device sold under different brand names. They get approval for bleeding control and pregnancy prevention in various parts of the world.
Hormone replacement therapy relieves night sweats, hot flashes, helps a person sleep better, and eases vaginal itching and dryness. Hence, you can prevent these symptoms by opting for one or the other hormone treatment.