Skin patches may be a better option than tablets if you find it inconvenient to take a tablet every day. Using patches can also help avoid some side effects of HRT, such as indigestion, and unlike tablets, they do not increase your risk of blood clots.
Traditional natural HRTs involve consuming plants or supplements containing compounds that may alleviate hormonal symptoms. Some plants and supplements that people may take to treat hormonal symptoms include: phytoestrogens, which are dietary estrogens found in legumes, seeds, and whole grains.
Vaginal Cream or Suppository: A very safe option, vaginal estrogen can effectively treat the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which include vaginal dryness and inflammation, urinary frequency/urgency, urinary tract infections, lowered sexual arousal and difficulty reaching orgasm.
HRT can't be described as safe or unsafe. Its effects vary depending on the types of hormone used, the form in which it is given (pills, or patches and gels), and the timing of first use (around menopause, or later). The safety of HRT can also depend on other things, such as body mass index.
One of the common treatment options for menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), supplementing your hormone levels to rebalance your system. However, you may prefer to move through menopause without using hormone treatments. And, women with previous hormone-dependent cancer shouldn't use HRT.
And the continued low estrogen levels lead to more serious health concerns. The rate of bone loss speeds up, increasing your risk of low bone density, osteopenia and osteoporosis. You also have a higher chance of having a heart attack, stroke or other heart-related issues.
Oestrogen-only and combined HRT patches are available. Skin patches may be a better option than tablets if you find it inconvenient to take a tablet every day. Using patches can also help avoid some side effects of HRT, such as indigestion, and unlike tablets, they do not increase your risk of blood clots.
So in summary, the safest types of HRT are the oestrogen applied through the skin as a patch, gel or spray with body identical micronised progesterone. Many women also benefit from testosterone, which may help if you're forgetful or having trouble concentrating at work.
Combined HRT can be associated with a small increase in the risk of breast cancer. The increased risk is related to how long you take HRT, and it falls after you stop taking it. Because of the risk of breast cancer, it's especially important to attend all your breast cancer screening appointments if you're taking HRT.
The overall increased risk of serious adverse effects—including breast cancer, stroke, and pulmonary embolism—with long term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) outweighs the potential benefits in disease prevention, warns a review of major trials published last week.
Oestrogen therapy is considered the gold standard treatment, effective in 90% of women with hot flushes. Low doses of oestrogen are sufficient to control even the severest of symptoms and are also effective in maintaining bone mass.
Stopping HRT
Women who take HRT for more than 1 year have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who never use HRT. The risk is linked to all types of HRT except vaginal oestrogen.
Mindfulness, meditation and cognitive training may improve member and thinking. Hypnosis, yoga, or acupuncture may relieve hot flashes and improve memory and sleep quality. Products such as handheld fans and "chillows" that reduce body temperature have been helpful for some women who experience hot flashes.
It is important to consider, with your doctor or other medical professional, your age, medical history and overall health when deciding which type of HRT to try. We are all individuals and just because one type of HRT works for someone else does not mean it is best for you.
Benefits of oestrogen gel
Oestrogen gel is equally as effective as other forms of HRT including patches and tablets. Like other forms of transdermal HRT (patches and sprays), oestrogen gel is not thought to come with any increased risk of blood clots. Read more about the risks and benefits of HRT.
Starting HRT after the age of 60 does not lower the risk of heart disease but it is not thought that it increases it either. Starting HRT over the age of 70 may have more risks than benefits. When to Stop HRT? There is no arbitrary age to stop HRT.
While some medical experts are leaning towards the patch (or gel/cream forms) over the pill, most doctors agree that that case-by-case management of HRT, that focuses on the appropriate dose per patient is the best way to minimize patient risk, regardless of whether women are taking oral or topical forms.
Clonidine. Clonidine is a prescription medicine that can help reduce hot flushes and night sweats in some menopausal women. It's taken as tablets 2 or 3 times a day. It does not affect hormone levels, so unlike HRT it does not carry an increased risk of problems such as breast cancer.
HRT is also known to help women maintain softer, smoother skin, resulting in a younger look. In addition to—and, often, as a result of—these physical changes, HRT often changes how you see yourself.
Hot flashes, flushes, and night sweats are the most common symptoms of low estrogen. At times, blood rushes to your skin's surface. This can give you a feeling of warmth (hot flash). Your face may look flushed.
Estrogen can reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. If you have a uterus, you'll likely need to take progesterone along with the estrogen. Estrogen without progesterone increases the risk of uterine cancer.