Approximately 47% of women experienced menopause-related symptoms that “sometimes to “consistently” disrupted their daily lives, highlights a global study by Korn Ferry Institute in partnership with Vira Health. With symptoms that range from hot flashes to insomnia and depression, there’s no question that menopause can impact day to day life in more ways than one. For women who wish to manage their symptoms in a new way, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers a solution that many have found to be helpful.
How menopause affects the body
Menopause is the natural process that the body goes through in a woman’s 40s or 50s and typically happens over time. The Cleveland Clinic defines menopause as “a point in time when a person has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period,” and occurs when the ovaries stop the production of reproductive hormones.
Symptoms associated with the hormone changes amount to a lengthy list, and include those such as night sweats, mood changes, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and irregular periods, to highlight a few. In some cases, the hormone changes can result in symptoms such as trouble finding words and remembering, which is often referred to as brain fog.
Menopause symptoms can result in experiences that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life and has the potential to do so in a number of different ways. For example, the Mayo Clinic notes that menopause causes the vagina to get drier and lose its stretch — this can result in discomfort and even slight bleeding during sexual intercourse, not to mention a lower libido.
“If hot flashes happen throughout the night, they wake you up and disrupt your sleep,” explains Hugh Taylor, MD, chair of Yale Medicine Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences. “As a result, you’re tired all the time, and it can greatly impact your quality of life,” Taylor notes. In some women, Taylor mentions that hot flashes are accompanied by additional symptoms, such as anxiety, heart racing, or palpitations.
An effective treatment?
73% of women don’t treat their menopause symptoms, highlights the State of Menopause Study, conducted with 1,039 women aged 40 to 65 across the United States. The research further reveals that untreated symptoms include hot flashes (16%), weight gain (15%), sleep difficulty (14%) and night sweats (14%), the 2021 Forbes article highlights. Hormone replacement therapy works to help treat symptoms through the replacement of the hormones that the body is no longer making enough of.
“Once your hormone levels rise, most people find relief from their symptoms,” the Cleveland Clinic notes. While HRT can help with symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, it can also help with bone loss, such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. The Cleveland Clinic goes on to explain that there are two main types of hormone replacement therapy, one of which is called estrogen therapy, and another called combination therapy (estrogen and progesterone). However, it’s vital to remember that a discussion with a healthcare provider is important, as which one is best for you will depend on a variety of personal factors.
For those who are able to partake in hormone replacement therapy, it’s important to consider the fact that there are different options out there that can make HRT easier. For instance, online HRT clinics can be beneficial to those who seek convenience and flexibility. With a team of medical professionals, telehealth HRT options are ideal for a personalized treatment plan that aims to provide relief from menopause symptoms. This enables women to partake in a consultation online, and receive treatment that is mailed to your doorstep. As a result, telehealth HRT programs can provide a convenient option for those who lead busy lives or who wish to seek relief right from home.
HRT involves valuable considerations
Today, HRT is making a comeback in regard to menopause treatment, with doctors who note that it is “the most effective treatment for debilitating menopause symptoms” that many experience, CBS News cites. The CBS article goes on to explain that a study published in 2002 unveiled a small increased risk of heart disease and breast cancer in women who took hormones, which then led to a 70-80% reduction in the use of hormones. When risks are taken into account, however, HRT can prove to be beneficial for many. “The data frankly shows that in healthy younger women with no contraindications, the benefits far outweigh the risks,” states Dr. Tara Iyer.
It’s crucial to note that while HRT has proved to be immensely beneficial to many women in the relief of menopause symptoms, it does come along with risks. In addition to an increased risk of certain types of cancers, stroke is another risk for those who undergo HRT. For example, HRT isn’t typically advised for women who have a history of breast cancer. Due to the risks involved, it’s necessary to discuss HRT with your healthcare provider. A medical consult is particularly important, as your doctor will need to consider your individual symptoms, medical history, age, and other valuable factors in order to determine whether hormone replacement therapy is right for you.
For many women, menopause can interfere with day-to-day life and can even affect the quality of life. As such, it’s crucial to take into account the fact that solutions like HRT can play a significant role for those who seek relief. While HRT can prove to be advantageous for many, however, it’s crucial to consider the risks, and equally as necessary to discuss your options with a healthcare professional.
This article was written for WHN by Bri Burton, who is a talented wordsmith, an avid blogger, and a health advocate.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://worldhealth.net/news/5-surprising-menopause-symptoms/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/hot-flashes
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15245-hormone-therapy-for-menopause-symptoms
https://amazing-meds.com/telehealth-online-hrt-clinic
https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/hormone-replacement-therapy-for-menopause-makes-a-comeback
https://worldhealth.net/news/does-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt-protect-the-female-brain/
