Like the patches, the HRT is absorbed into the skin. Try it if…you do not want to have to change patches two or three times a week or you think patches might irritate your skin.
You may also be able to use the gel if you have a history of heart problems, diabetes and clots as this form of HRT is associated with fewer risks than the tablet form you should discuss the pros and cons in these situations with your healthcare professional. It is also easy to use. Vaginal estrogen: Estrogen in the form of a cream, pessary or ring is placed in your vagina. Try it if…you want to relieve vaginal dryness and painful intercourse and do not suffer from other symptoms such as hot flushes which will not be helped by this form of HRT.
This type of HRT increases local estrogen levels but does not affect the whole body. This is very safe, with very few associated risks, and can be taken without progestogen even if you still have a womb. Try it if…you no longer have a womb if you have had a hysterectomy, for example. It can be beneficial to the heart and younger women on estrogen-only HRT have a lower risk of heart disease than women who are not on HRT. Try it if…you still have a womb as the progestogen protects against a very small increased risk of womb cancer associated with taking estrogen-only HRT.
There are two ways of taking it: cyclical combined HRT is best if you have menopausal symptoms and still have periods. This involves having a gap between taking progestogen for a period of time. Continuous combined HRT is recommended if you are post-menopausal and have not had a period for a year. This involves taking estrogen and progestogen every day without a gap and it is thought to decrease the risk of womb cancer.
Testosterone is often thought of as a male-only hormone but women produce it too. Many women have low levels of testosterone when they go through the menopause.
Taking testosterone as part of your HRT can help improve your mood, energy levels and libido. If you suffer from symptoms such as low libido and increased tiredness, it may be worth consulting your healthcare professional about trying testosterone as part of the HRT you are taking. You'll usually start with a low dose, which may be increased at a later stage. It may take a few weeks to feel the effects of treatment and there may be some side effects at first.
A GP will usually recommend trying treatment for 3 months to see if it helps. If it does not, they may suggest changing your dose, or changing the type of HRT you're taking. A GP can give you advice to help you choose which type is best for you. You may need to try more than 1 type before you find 1 that works best.
Find out more about the different types of HRT. There's no limit on how long you can take HRT, but talk to a GP about how long they recommend you take the treatment. Most women stop taking it once their menopausal symptoms pass, which is usually after a few years. The risk is linked to all types of HRT except vaginal oestrogen.
The increased risk of breast cancer falls after you stop taking HRT, but some increased risk remains for more than 10 years compared to women who have never used HRT. Gradually decreasing your HRT dose is usually recommended because it's less likely to cause your symptoms to come back in the short term.
Once treatment has taken effect and your hormones have stabilized, HRT can give you the energy you need to take better care of yourself. Many HRT experts will work with you to make healthy dietary choices, engage in physical fitness, and learn better ways to manage stress.
These changes can in turn work in concert with HRT to encourage durable hormonal balance and reduce ongoing symptoms, helping you get the most out of treatment. Rather, the way HRT works is gradual and it can change over time as your treatment evolves to meet your changing needs.
If you are struggling with a hormone imbalance or age-related hormone changes, BodyLogicMD can help. The BodyLogicMD network is comprised of top medical professionals specializing in hormone health and hormone replacement therapy. A BodyLogicMD-affiliated practitioner will design a personalized treatment plan to address your symptoms and help you achieve your health goals using the best therapies available today.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. All content on this website is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases.
Charlotte is a patient care coordinator specializing in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. She is committed to helping patients who struggle with the symptoms of hormonal change and imbalance explore their treatment options and develop effective strategies to optimize wellness. View all posts. Preparation, Testing, and Diagnosis If you are feeling the symptoms of hormonal change or imbalance, whether from something predictable as menopause or for unknown reasons, you need to get checked out.
When you become a patient of a BodyLogicMD-affiliated practitioner, this process begins with the following: An at-home hormone testing kit will be mailed to you. Complete the tests and mail them back.
Visit a local lab for any recommended blood serum tests.
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