Should i do hormone replacement therapy

These symptoms usually disappear once the therapy doses are changed to suit the individual. HRT is not a form of contraception. The treatment does not contain high enough levels of hormones to suppress ovulation, so pregnancy is still possible in women in the perimenopause the time of hormonal instability leading up to menopause. Periods can be erratic in perimenopause, and egg production will be less frequent, but can still occur until menopause.

For women younger than 50, contraception is recommended for at least two years after the final period. For women aged 50 and above, contraception is recommended for at least one year after their final period. It is currently believed that, overall, the risks of long-term more than five years use of HRT outweigh the benefits.

HRT should not be recommended for disease prevention, except for women under 60 years of age with substantially increased risk of bone fractures, or in the setting of premature menopause. Women with liver disease, migraine headaches, epilepsy, diabetes, gall bladder disease, fibroids, endometriosis or hypertension high blood pressure need special consideration before being prescribed HRT. In these situations HRT is often given through the skin transdermally.

Despite the risks of long-term use, in women with severe and persistent menopausal symptoms, HRT may be the only effective therapy. Women with premature or early menopause are prescribed HRT long-term because of their increased risks of earlier onset of heart disease, osteoporosis, and some neurological conditions compared to women undergoing menopause around the age of 50 years. Seek specialist advice from a menopause clinic or menopause specialist. Regular check-ups are recommended.

It is advisable for women with a history of breast cancer to avoid HRT unless other treatments are ineffective, and their quality of life is made intolerable by menopausal symptoms. Evidence has not conclusively shown that HRT will increase the risk of breast cancer recurring in a woman with a history of the disease. However, oestrogen and progestogens forms of progesterone may stimulate some types of cells in the breast and some types of HRT use have been associated with an increase in the risk of breast cancer in women without a history of breast cancer.

It is not recommended that women at high risk of breast cancer , or breast cancer survivors, take highly processed soy supplements which are high in phytoestrogens , but eating moderate amounts of whole soy foods appears to be healthy.

Studies have shown that some prescription medications can reduce hot flushes and sweats. These treatments may be an option if HRT cannot be used for health or other reasons, and should be discussed with a doctor. The herbal medicine , black cohosh, may take the edge off hot flushes and sweats, but there is no data to support long-term use. There is also a rare liver condition that may be associated with the use of black cohosh.

Commercially available vaginal moisturisers such as Replens may reduce vaginal dryness if used regularly. Consult your doctor about what will work best for you. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:.

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The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Hormonal system endocrine. Home Hormonal system endocrine. Hormone replacement therapy HRT and menopause. Anyone who is thinking of using HRT should talk to their doctor about the specific risks and benefits. Some people worry that hormone treatment might lead to weight gain, but there is no evidence to support this.

Eating a healthful diet and getting plenty of exercise can help manage the weight gain that commonly affects both females and males in midlife. There are various ways of delivering hormone therapy, and the different types provide different combinations and amounts of hormones. Common types include:. Estrogen-only HRT : A doctor may recommend this if a person has had their uterus and ovaries removed, in which case progesterone is not necessary. Cyclical, or sequential, HRT: This may be a good option if symptoms occur before menopause; the dosage can align with the menstrual cycle.

Continuous HRT : After menopause, a doctor may prescribe a continuous combination of estrogen and progesterone. Local estrogen : Vaginal tablets, creams, or rings can help with urogenital symptoms, including vaginal dryness and irritation. Some people take ginseng , black cohosh, red clover, soy, or kava supplements to help ease symptoms of menopause.

However, confirming the effects of these supplements requires further research. Some may not be safe for everyone to use. A person cannot be sure what a product contains or whether it is safe or effective to use. Can essential oils help with menopause? Find out here. Hormone therapy is a standard approach to a range of health issues. Certain hormones or combinations of hormones can help manage symptoms of menopause. However, HRT is not suitable for everyone. Doctors and other healthcare providers can describe the risks and potential benefits in detail and help people with the decision.

When does menopause start? Is it still possible to become pregnant? Here, find out the answers to these and other questions about menopause. Many people experience hot flashes and other symptoms around menopause, but essential oils may help. Learn more here, including which ones to choose. Vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes, sweating, and heart palpitations, are common during menopause.

Get some tips on how to manage them here. Menopause tends to occur naturally around midlife, but it can also happen earlier if a person undergoes some types of surgery or treatment.

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Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Hormone therapy: Is it right for you? Products and services. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references AskMayoExpert. Menopausal hormone therapy adult. Mayo Clinic; Martin KA, et al. Treatment of menopausal symptoms with hormone therapy. Accessed March 25, Menopausal hormone therapy: Benefits and risks. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.