Doctors hesitate to prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) due to outdated fears from studies like the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) linking it to cancer/clots, lack of confidence/training, patient reluctance, and the need for individualized risk/benefit discussions, despite current evidence showing benefits often outweigh risks for many, especially when started closer to menopause. Factors like a patient's medical history (e.g., past clots, heart disease) also influence prescribing decisions.
HRT can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. If you've had breast cancer you'll usually be advised not to take HRT. The increased risk is low: there are around 5 extra cases of breast cancer in every 1,000 women who take combined HRT for 5 years. The risk increases the longer you take it, and the older you are.
Unfortunately, some doctors and healthcare professionals still believe outdated reports that HRT is linked to cancer, blood clots and heart problems, so they may be reluctant to prescribe HRT.
For people with certain existing conditions and risk factors, it will definitely be better to go through menopause naturally. Others may choose to. And, for some, HRT is the only suitable option. Importantly, picking natural menopause management doesn't have to mean suffering unbearable menopause symptoms.
Try to be as succinct as you can when explaining things to your doctor. 'Show them your health report, tell them you've read up on your symptoms and say, “I've made the diagnosis myself, I'm 99% sure I am perimenopausal or menopausal, I've read about HRT and this is what I want,' says Dr Louise.
Here are 9 signs your hormones may be out of whack:
Signs you might need Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) often relate to menopause disrupting your life, including severe hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, mood swings (irritability, depression, anxiety), brain fog, low libido, fatigue, joint aches, and bladder issues, with HRT helping manage these symptoms and potentially protecting against osteoporosis and heart disease, though a doctor must determine if risks outweigh benefits.
Their clock found that post-menopausal women and people with gynae organs on combined HRT (with progesterone and oestrogen) had slower cell ageing than those not on HRT, which could explain why HRT has previously been linked to lower risk of some age-related diseases.
The peak symptom phase typically occurs during the transition between perimenopause and early postmenopause. Most women experience their worst symptoms for 4-5 years, though the entire menopause journey can last up to 14 years.
So if you do decide not to take HRT but want to manage the symptoms of the menopause, try more exercise, cut down on alcohol and coffee and maybe consider increasing the amount of tofu or other soya products, or flaxseed in your diet.
Lies you should never tell your doctor
As women age, the ovaries stop producing estrogen, a hormone that helps control the menstrual cycle and ends the reproductive years. Once you have gone through menopause and have not had your period for 12 consecutive months, the postmenopause stage begins, and you are in this stage for the rest of your life.
Results showed that HRT users had significantly increased incidence of breast cancer, stroke, and pulmonary embolism; a significantly reduced incidence of colorectal cancer and fractured neck of femur; but no significant change in endometrial cancer or coronary heart disease .
Alongside elinzanetant, fezolinetant (Veozah; Astellas Pharma) received FDA approval as a neurokinin receptor antagonist available for treating VMS in postmenopausal women on May 12, 2023.
Your personal medical history and risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, blood clots, liver disease and osteoporosis also are factors that can affect the risks of menopause hormone therapy.
Menopause, when it occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, is considered “natural” and is a normal part of aging. Menopause that occurs before the age of 45 is called early menopause. Menopause that occurs at 40 or younger is considered premature menopause.
Weight gain, brain fog, fatigue, temperature regulation, and irregular periods if you have an autoimmune disease or family history of thyroid problems. Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism can mimic the symptoms of perimenopause.
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HRT enhances collagen production
It's what keeps your skin firm, smooth, and youthful. Unfortunately, as hormone levels drop with age, so does collagen production. This decline in collagen leads to the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin. HRT can boost collagen production.
Here are the top five vitamins essential for female wellness during menopause.
Signs of Low-Estrogen Skin:
Sagging with visible loss of elasticity. More prone to damage from UV radiation and pollution. Uneven tone with increased pigmentation. Hollowing in the cheeks and temples.
What are the symptoms of low estrogen levels?
Hormonal imbalances show up as symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, irregular periods, skin issues (acne), hair changes, sleep problems, brain fog, low libido, digestive issues, and temperature sensitivity, affecting energy, body functions, and mental well-being, often linked to stress, thyroid, or reproductive hormones.
Symptoms