Hormonal treatment is used to counteract the hormone imbalances every woman experiences around menopause. The results of these imbalances are notorious symptoms that can cause suffering and a significant decrease in the quality of life during a completely healthy and normal phase of life. During hormone therapy hormone levels are balanced, which alleviates the unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause.
Remedy takes many forms
Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) needs little introduction to those who have ever asked their gynecologists for a remedy to menopausal symptoms. These medicines – in the form of pills, patches, gels or sprays – are provided for many women. This treatment consists of the administration of hormones that the body has stopped producing as a result of the beginning of menopause, and it combats many notorious symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, osteoporosis. According to some studies, it also contributes to the cardiovascular health of women.
Individual needs are key
For the maximum efficiency and the lowest risk, every woman must decide whether to choose this treatment, and if so, the therapy should be selected individually. The hormonal treatment of menopause has greater effectiveness compared to other therapies, and its positive effects on menopause are highly acclaimed by the International Menopause Society.
Combined treatment
There are hormonal therapies with estrogen, but there is also combined hormone therapy, which provides estrogen and progesterone to treat symptoms. These treatments may come in the form of tablets, ovules, rings, vaginal creams or gels, patches applied on the skin, or, most recently, sprays that patients need to apply on the skin. Your doctor will decide whether you need estrogen-only or combined treatment based on your personal medical history and careful assessment of all cofactors.
Transdermal estradiol
Estradiol is a natural female hormone. With the use of transdermal applications, estradiol is administered through the skin to replace the missing estrogen, which is in line with the latest guidelines. Transdermal patches are applied 1-2 times a week and must stay on the skin through the treatment period. They provide exact dosing, although skin irritation on the application site may occur. Gels are applied every day and are a very discreet form of transdermal application, but their dosing might be less accurate. The transparent and fast-drying spray allows a quick and discreet application with an accurate low dose and is easy to use. Transdermal estradiol in combination with dydrogesetrone or micronized progesterone is for all post-menopausal women in the relief of oestrogen deficiency symptoms. Based on E3N cohort study (Breast Cancer Res Treat), estrogen–progesterone and estrogen–dydrogesterone combinations were associated with no or slight and non-significant increases in breast cancer risk.
Hormone therapy is a stress-free solution for a significant amount of discomfort. Choosing HRT is easier and safer than ever, but it requires professional help. If you want to know more about the options available to you, contact your gynecologist.