HRT is the most popular drug-based technology for menopausal disorders. But what exactly does it consist of? And when is it not recommended?
With the arrival of menopause, the level of hormones present in our body undergoes a drastic reduction and typical symptoms appear that affect a woman’s life more or less heavily.
Both for the lucky women, who suffer very little from the symptoms of menopause, and for the less fortunate women, who instead see their life almost upset by menopausal disorders, there are two ways to act against the effects caused by the drop in hormones:
– HRT, Hormone Replacement Therapy,
– and natural or alternative therapies, based on the use of plants, foods, herbs that contain phytohormones, better known as phytoestrogens.
Introduction to remedies for menopausal and perimenopausal women
Menopause and a drop in hormones often change a woman’s life and we know very well what this entails. Do we want to make a list of menopausal disorders?
– The hideous hot flashes;
– The sleepless nights;
– Mood swings;
– The increase in the waistline;
– Vaginal dryness problems …
– etc.
It is always true that every woman is a world unto herself and that therefore each of us experiences, in terms of number and intensity of symptoms, a menopause different from all the others.
To help a postmenopausal woman the main solutions are HRT and natural or alternative therapies. HRT represents a pharmaceutical solution while alternative therapy based on phytohormones (and not only) represents a natural solution. In this article, we will better understand what HRT is, when it is recommended and when it is to be avoided.
A premise: remember that your Gynecologist is the best person able to evaluate your uniqueness, your history and your needs. He/she is the most trusted person to ask for advice and information. Do not forget, therefore, to talk and confide in him/her.
What is HRT?
HRT – Hormone Replacement Therapy – is a drug treatment based on hormones, estrogen and / or progestogens, prescribed to compensate for the lack of female hormones resulting from the cessation of ovarian function. As we know, during menopause the level of hormones drops dramatically causing the so-called menopause symptoms. HRT does nothing but re-introduce hormones into our body, restoring a balance similar to what we had before menopause and perimenopause, erroneously called premenopause. This allows to reduce, and sometimes eliminate, the much hated symptoms that afflict women in this delicate period of their life.
The prescription of HRT in general
HRT remains the therapy of choice for treating menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms: it not only helps to counteract hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, but also protects postmenopausal osteoarticular and cardiovascular health.
However, it is a therapy that must be personalized in order to avoid unpleasant side effects due to a hormonal overdose. Also, not all women need HRT, and not all of them can take hormones at the same time.
This applies to both HRT and phytoestrogens in the presence of certain problems caused by hormones, or with a previous history of the same, in particular breast, uterus or ovarian cancer. Also, HRT is not recommended in the presence of obesity or a previous history of thrombosis, phlebitis, acute or chronic hepatitis, migraine with aura. Finally, smokers are an ineligible group for HRT.