Hormone Replacement Therapy
What Is HRT and How Does It Affect Me?
HRT medications contain female hormones that replace the ones the body no longer creates. These hormones are used to treat menopausal symptoms, like vaginal discomfort and hot flashes.
Is HRT Right for You?
HRT has its own risks, but the benefits outweigh the risks if you:
Reach menopause prematurely
Suffer from moderate to severe hot flashes
Lost bone mass and aren’t seeing results from other treatments
Lost normal function of your ovaries before age 40
Your type of menopause, age and time since menopause play an extremely important role in the risks associated with HRT. Your doctor will be able to determine what you’re at risk for.
Should You Avoid HRT?
You should avoid HRT if you have or previously had:
Breast cancer
Endometrial cancer
Blood clots in the legs or lungs
Stroke
Liver disease
Unexplained menstrual bleeding
Women who aren’t bothered by menopausal symptoms and started menopause after age 45 generally do not need HRT. Instead, we recommend having a conversation with your doctor about reducing the risk factors associated with menopause, including a higher risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both.
HRT Requires a Conversation with Your Doctor
Because of the risks associated with HRT, it’s crucial to have a discussion with your doctor before beginning HRT. He or she will decide if it’s the right path for you, and if not, what other lifestyle changes you can adopt to reduce your menopausal symptoms and risk factors.
Your doctor will account for your lifestyle, your individual symptoms, your pre-existing conditions (if any) and your genetic background. He or she will determine if HRT is a good treatment option for you.
HRT and Scottsboro OB-GYN
Scottsboro OB-GYN is an expert on the complex nature of HRT. We are one of the few clinics in the region offering low-cost HRT options.