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.
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.
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.
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.