How to Understand Hormone Replacement Therapy
Know the major types of hormone replacement therapy or HRT., Learn the benefits of hormone replacement therapy., Discuss the form of HRT with your physician that will best work for you., Understand the risk of using hormone replacement therapy...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Know the major types of hormone replacement therapy or HRT.
Progesterone and estrogen are two widely used medications for hormone replacement.
Progesterone and estrogen combined therapy is used during the perimenopause or phase one of menopause.
Progesterone "only" therapy can be used by women who have their uterus.
Estrogen "only" therapy is used by women that had a hysterectomy or removal of the uterus.
Estrogen "only" taken by women that haven't undergone a hysterectomy have a greater risk for uterine cancer. -
Step 2: Learn the benefits of hormone replacement therapy.
Generally, a physician prescribes HRT for the following conditions:
Hot flashes
- A sudden and temporary increase in body temperature.
Sometimes this is referred to as night sweats if it occurs at night.
Vaginal dryness
- Hormone contributes to the natural lubrication of the vaginal walls.
Lubrication decreases or diminishes with menopause or age Osteoporosis
- HRT has been proven to lower the risk of broken bones Mood swings
- Hormone therapy has been proven to lower the episodes of anxiety and depression in women Colon cancer
- Studies have shown with HRT, colon cancer rates are lower Dental care
- Because the risk of bone loss has decreased, tooth loss has been lowered as well. , Hormone replacement comes in several forms.
The forms are creams, patches, sprays, pills, tablets, vaginal rings and gels.
Pills, gels and creams are time released for the best benefit and are taken or applied daily Patches are applied one to two times a week , As with any medication, there are benefits and risks.
Studies have shown that the major risks for patients taking HRT are high blood pressure, strokes, headaches, nausea, mood swings, bloating, blood clots, gallbladder disease and water retention. , Most insurance companies cover the cost of HRT with the exception of the normal co-pay that is paid by the patient.
The costs will range from $5 to $40 per month depending on the method used, manufacturer and your health prescription plan. , There are some medications that have a harmful effect if combined. -
Step 3: Discuss the form of HRT with your physician that will best work for you.
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Step 4: Understand the risk of using hormone replacement therapy.
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Step 5: Evaluate the cost of HRT treatment.
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Step 6: Always keep a list of medications
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Step 7: including over the counter
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Step 8: that you are currently using.
Detailed Guide
Progesterone and estrogen are two widely used medications for hormone replacement.
Progesterone and estrogen combined therapy is used during the perimenopause or phase one of menopause.
Progesterone "only" therapy can be used by women who have their uterus.
Estrogen "only" therapy is used by women that had a hysterectomy or removal of the uterus.
Estrogen "only" taken by women that haven't undergone a hysterectomy have a greater risk for uterine cancer.
Generally, a physician prescribes HRT for the following conditions:
Hot flashes
- A sudden and temporary increase in body temperature.
Sometimes this is referred to as night sweats if it occurs at night.
Vaginal dryness
- Hormone contributes to the natural lubrication of the vaginal walls.
Lubrication decreases or diminishes with menopause or age Osteoporosis
- HRT has been proven to lower the risk of broken bones Mood swings
- Hormone therapy has been proven to lower the episodes of anxiety and depression in women Colon cancer
- Studies have shown with HRT, colon cancer rates are lower Dental care
- Because the risk of bone loss has decreased, tooth loss has been lowered as well. , Hormone replacement comes in several forms.
The forms are creams, patches, sprays, pills, tablets, vaginal rings and gels.
Pills, gels and creams are time released for the best benefit and are taken or applied daily Patches are applied one to two times a week , As with any medication, there are benefits and risks.
Studies have shown that the major risks for patients taking HRT are high blood pressure, strokes, headaches, nausea, mood swings, bloating, blood clots, gallbladder disease and water retention. , Most insurance companies cover the cost of HRT with the exception of the normal co-pay that is paid by the patient.
The costs will range from $5 to $40 per month depending on the method used, manufacturer and your health prescription plan. , There are some medications that have a harmful effect if combined.
About the Author
Elizabeth Morgan
Experienced content creator specializing in pet care guides and tutorials.
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