Are you wondering if you should consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or not? Read this article to learn about the indications and contraindications of HRT and how you can take it.
Introduction
Both men and women have a set of hormones in
the body that help build their primary and secondary sexual characteristics. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is
needed when your body cannot make enough hormones to function properly. It
helps balance hormone levels to improve your overall health.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is useful,
especially in treating menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, restless legs,
insomnia, osteoporosis, etc.
There has been a surge in the usage of HRT in
various medical conditions for both men and women. Recent statistics say that around 1.93 million people were
prescribed HRT in the UK in 2021.
Both men and women need different sexual
hormones to maintain their overall health. So, different hormones are used in
HRT:
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
HRT is given in different forms based on your
condition.
This type contains only estrogen. It helps
reduce menopause symptoms and strengthens bones, which can become weak due to
low estrogen levels during menopause.
Your doctor might suggest estrogen-only HRT if
you’ve had a hysterectomy (removal of the womb).
Some estrogen HRT brand names include:
- Sandrena
- Lenzetto
- Evorel
- FemSeven
- Oestrogel
- Progynova
- Elleste-Solo
- Estradot
It is recommended to prevent uterine (womb)
cancer in females. You can take estrogen and progesterone either separately or
together in one therapy. If taken separately, you have options:
- Micronised
progesterone tablets
can be taken with estrogen patches, gel, spray, or tablets. This type of
progesterone is plant-based and matches the progesterone your ovaries produce
before menopause. This is called body-identical hormone replacement therapy.
- An intrauterine device (IUS or coil, like the
Mirena coil) can provide
progesterone and be used with estrogen patches, gel, spray, or tablets. This
may help reduce bleeding issues with HRT.
Alternatively, combined HRT, which contains
estrogen and progesterone (as progestogen), is also available. One example is Bijuve,
a bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, meaning it matches the natural
hormones in your body.
Other combined HRT brands include:
- Evorel Sequi
- Novofem
- Kliovance
- Evorel
- Kliofem
- Elleste-Duet
- Trisequens
- Clinorette
- Femoston
Tibolone is a form of combined hormone
replacement therapy in the UK that works just like estrogen, progesterone and
testosterone. It can help improve libido in some people.
The NHS recommends using it if you haven’t had your natural
periods for 12 months consecutively.
Testosterone is a male hormone that will be
prescribed if you have a low sex drive, and all other non-hormonal causes have
been ruled out.
There are different ways to take HRT,
depending on what works best for you:
- Pills: Easy to take and common.
- Patches: Stick to your skin and release hormones
slowly.
- Creams
and Gels: Applied to
your skin and absorbed.
- Injections: Given with a needle, often with
longer-lasting effects.
These options let you and your doctor choose
the best method for your lifestyle and needs.
Indications of HRT are different for men and
women.
- Treating menopausal symptoms like night
sweats, hot flashes or mood swings.
- Prevention of osteoporosis.
- Management of symptoms in women who have had
hysterectomy.
- Improving
quality of life.
- Treating hypogonadism.
- Boosting energy levels and reducing fatigue.
- Treating low testosterone symptoms like
decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and mood changes.
- Preserving bone density in elderly males.
- Improving muscle mass.
- Enhancing
cognitive function.
Your doctor will not prescribe you HRT if you
have or have had:
- Womb (endometrial) or breast cancer
- Blood clotting disease
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Liver conditions
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Endometrial
hyperplasia (thickening of the womb lining)
The HRT is an excellent option for treating
hormone-related problems in menopausal females. Males can also benefit from HRT
in various cases, such as if they have low libido, lean muscle mass, or reduced
bone density.
HRT maintains the hormonal balance so you can
enjoy a youthful life again.
Keyword: Hormone Replacement Therapy in UK
References