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Posts Tagged ‘HRT’

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Side Effects

August 20th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Menopause Treatment

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Side effects that can occur with all forms of estrogen but are more frequent with oral estrogen include:

* Headaches.

* Nausea.

* Vaginal discharge.

* Fluid retention.

* Weight gain.

* Breast tenderness.

* Spotting or darkening of the skin, particularly on the face.

* Deep venous thrombosis.

* Pulmonary emboli.

* Rarely, an increased growth of preexisting uterine fibroids or a worsening of endometriosis.

Some of these side effects, such as headaches, nausea, fluid retention, weight gain, and breast tenderness, may go away after a few weeks of use. The estrogen patch (trans-dermal estrogen) may cause skin irritation.

An estrogen ring must be replaced every 3 months. If the ring falls out at any time during the 3-month treatment period, you may rinse it with lukewarm water and reinsert it.

Vaginal cream may be used by women with liver or gallbladder disease.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What to Think About

Recent studies are recommending that hormone replacement therapy using estrogen and progestin (HRT) be used only for short-term treatment of menopausal symptoms. Studies involving women taking estrogen without progestin (ERT) are still in progress.

While ERT alone increases the risk of endometrial cancer, estrogen taken in combination with progestin (HRT) does not increase the risk. Women who have had a hysterectomy do not have an increased risk of uterine cancer.

A woman who has a uterus and is unable to tolerate the side effects of progestin in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may consider estrogen-only replacement therapy (ERT) if testing shows no abnormalities of the endometrium. Close observation for precancerous changes of the endometrium is required, including an annual pelvic exam and an annual endometrial biopsy.

No studies have compared different types estrogens to see whether there is a difference in their effects. Some women prefer estrogens that do not come from animal products.

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Various Forms Of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

May 14th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Menopause Glossary, Menopause Treatment

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hormone replacement therapy

1. Tablets (Oral HRT)
Tablets are the most commonly prescribed form of HRT. Estrogen therapy is prescribed for women who have had hysterectomy. Those who have not had hysterectomy, usually take a combination of progestogen and estrogen.

2. Implants
Implants are pellets of estrogen which are inserted under the skin through a simple surgical procedure. The pellets will last for about 6 months.

3. Patches (Trans-dermal HRT)
A patch is a piece of plastic containing a reservoir of estrogen that is applied to the skin. It is replaced every three or four days. The hormones are delivered directly to the blood-stream through the skin.

4. Pessaries
Pessaries containing estrogen are delivered directly into the vagina.

5. Cream An Gels
Cream and gels containing estrogen are delivered in measured doses directly into the vagina using and applicator.

Focus On The Future
Midlife, during which time menopause usually take place, is a confluence of life events: the departure of the children, parenting parents, career moves etc. it is likely that you have attained financial stability and have more time on your hands. At this crossroad of life, it is appropriate to stop and take stock, and decide how you want to spend the rest of your life. Midlife offers you the freedom to change and focus on your future. Inject some fun and challenge into your plans. Increase outside interests, maximize your resources and fulfill your life-long dreams.

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Do You Really Need To Do Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

May 13th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Menopause FAQs, Menopause Glossary

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hormone replacement therapyWhat Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
The mainstay of medical treatment for the symptoms of, as well as to protect against osteoporosis and heart, during menopause is HRT. It treats menopause as a hormone deficiency condition and alleviates the symptoms by replacing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. It mimics the average levels produced during the normal menstrual cycle. There is diverse range of HRT products and the number of ways in which it can be administered. Women with the help of their doctors can therefore find an HRT regimen that matches their needs and produces few side effects.

Benefits Of HRT
* Relief of menopausal symptoms.
* Prevention of heart disease and stroke.
* Maintenance of bones, muscles and tissue.
* Improvement of body shape. Increase of well-being.

Side Effects And Risks Of HRT
* Possible uterine cancer but can be protected by progestogens.
* Increased risk of breast cancer.
* Gallstones.
* Weight gain, greasy skin, irritability, etc. (cause by progesterones)
* Breast tenderness, weight gain, headaches etc. (caused by estrogens)
* Inconvenience of monthly periods.

Who Should Not Take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
For some, HRT is not a safe option.
Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
* A history of breast cancer.
* Recent uterine of ovarian cancer.
* An active blood-clotting disorder.
* Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
* Gallbladder disease.
* Liver disease, e.g. hepatitis.

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