Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the most common treatments women explore during menopause to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. While it can significantly improve the quality of life, it’s essential to understand the potential risks associated with different forms of HRT to make informed decisions. This blog will focus on specific forms of HRT, such as Oestrogel, Estradot, and Femoston, and discuss the associated risks so that you can have an open dialogue with your healthcare provider about what might work best for you.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
HRT involves supplementing the body with estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of both to compensate for the hormonal decline during menopause. There are various forms of HRT, including tablets, patches, gels, and creams. Different women may respond differently to each form, and the choice of HRT often depends on individual health profiles, preferences, and symptoms.
Specific Forms of HRT
Oestrogel: This gel-based form of HRT is applied to the skin and absorbed directly into the bloodstream. It is commonly used to increase estrogen levels, which can help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Since Oestrogel bypasses the liver, it may have fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to oral tablets.
Estradot: Estradot is an estrogen patch that is worn on the skin. Like Oestrogel, it releases estrogen directly into the bloodstream. It provides consistent hormone levels, which can reduce fluctuations that lead to symptoms like mood swings. This form of HRT may be more suitable for women who prefer a non-invasive method of administration.
Femoston: Available in tablet form, Femoston contains both estrogen and a synthetic version of progesterone (dydrogesterone). The addition of progesterone is essential for women who still have a uterus to prevent the thickening of the uterine lining, which can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
The Risks of HRT
While HRT can be highly effective in managing menopause symptoms, it’s important to understand the associated risks, especially when using it long-term.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Oral forms of HRT, particularly those containing estrogen, may increase the risk of developing blood clots, especially in women who smoke or are overweight. This risk tends to be higher with tablets like Femoston compared to transdermal options like Estradot or Oestrogel.
Breast Cancer: Some studies have shown a slight increase in breast cancer risk for women using combined HRT (estrogen and progesterone) for more than five years. However, the risk appears to diminish after stopping HRT. The exact relationship between HRT and breast cancer risk is still debated, and it’s essential to consider your personal and family medical history when deciding on HRT.
Cardiovascular Risks: The timing of when HRT is started can affect cardiovascular health. Studies suggest that women who begin HRT closer to the onset of menopause may have a lower risk of heart disease compared to those who start it later in life. Patches and gels like Estradot and Oestrogel may pose a lower risk for cardiovascular issues compared to oral tablets.
Endometrial Cancer: Estrogen-only HRT can increase the risk of endometrial cancer in women who still have a uterus. This is why combined HRT, like Femoston, which includes progesterone, is often recommended. The progesterone helps counteract the risk of uterine cancer by thinning the endometrial lining.
Making an Informed Choice
If you are considering HRT, it’s crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. They can help tailor the treatment to your symptoms and health needs, possibly recommending options like Oestrogel or Estradot, which may have fewer side effects than oral forms like Femoston. Remember, every woman’s experience with menopause is unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
HRT can be life-changing for women struggling with menopause symptoms, but it’s essential to be fully aware of the risks associated with each form. By choosing the most suitable type of HRT, such as gels, patches, or tablets, and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can manage your symptoms while minimizing potential health risks.