Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is a hormone replacement therapy that is used to treat the symptoms of menopause in women. When a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, it signifies that she has reached menopause, marking the end of her reproductive years. The ovaries gradually reduce their production of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, leading to the end of menstrual cycles and fertility
The most common symptoms of menopause in most women include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweat, and mood changes.
Menopausal hormone therapy is a medication that consists of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. MHT is used to treat the symptoms of menopause when they start interfering with quality of life.
What are the benefits of MHT?
Some of the benefits of MHT for women include:
- Relief of hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Improved mood and mental well-being
- Maintaining vaginal health
What are the signs and symptoms of Menopause?
The signs and symptoms associated with menopause are listed below. Note that these symptoms generally appear one year or less before the actual menopause. (R)
- Irregular Periods
- Hot Flashes
- Night Sweet
- Sleep Problem
- Mood Changes
- Loss of breast Fullness
- Slowed Metabolism
- Weight gain
What are the different types of treatment used for Menopause?
Generally, there are two main types of treatment used for menopause:
1. Clinical Treatment( MHT)
- Oestrogen Plus Progesterone MHT
- Oestrogen-alone MHT
- Vaginal estrogen therapy
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
- Tibolone
2. Traditional Treatment
- Lachesis mutus
- Sepia
- Sulphur
Clinical Treatment( MHT)
Menopausal hormone replacement therapy is usually available in different forms such as tablets, patches, gels, and vaginal treatment. The types of MHT one needs depend on the woman’s age, hysterectomy, and other health conditions. That’s why it is best to seek professional advice before starting MHT.
1. Osterogen Plus Progesterone Therapy
Oestrogen Plus Progesterone MHT is for those women who still have their uterus and have not undergone hysterectomy. The primary reason for including progesterone in this therapy is to minimise the risk of uterine cancer.
2. Oestrogen Alone Therapy
Oestrogen-alone MHT is typically prescribed for women who have undergone a hysterectomy, meaning they no longer have a uterus. In such cases, there is no need for the addition of progesterone to the hormone therapy regimen, as there is no risk of developing uterine cancer without a uterus.
Oestrogen-alone therapy can effectively alleviate menopausal symptoms and provide other health benefits associated with hormone replacement therapy.
3. Vaginal Oestrogen Therapy
Vaginal estrogen therapy is used to treat women suffering from vaginal dryness. If used as prescribed, vaginal estrogen therapy is generally considered safe for long-term use. However, it is typically not recommended for women with a history of breast cancer, as estrogen can potentially stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.
4. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs):
Drugs like raloxifene and tamoxifen are selective estrogen receptor modulators. They act as estrogen agonists in some tissues (such as bone and the cardiovascular system) and as estrogen antagonists in others (such as breast tissue). (R)
These medications may be used for specific indications in menopausal women, such as preventing osteoporosis or treating breast cancer.
5. Tibolone
Tibolone is a synthetic steroid with estrogenic, progestogenic, and androgenic properties. It is used primarily for the relief of menopausal symptoms and the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Traditional Treatments for Menopause
Some of the traditional treatments used for menopause include: ®
1. Lachesis mutus
This remedy can alleviate menopause-related hot flashes, especially in cases where hot flashes are alleviated through sweating or menstruation.
2. Sepia
This remedy is helpful for women who have abnormal menstrual cycles. Sometimes, they are very late and slow, while other times they are heavy and quick.
3. Sulphur
This remedy is useful for women who have hot flashes, especially during menopause.
MHT and Premature Menopause
The average age of menopause in the USA is almost 51. However, when menopause occurs earlier than expected, typically between the ages of 40 to 45, it is referred to as premature menopause.
Women who are experiencing premature menopause can benefit from MHT. The low levels of estrogen production associated with premature menopause can be effectively treated with MHT.
What are some of the potential risks of MHT?
Some of the potential risks associated with MHT are discussed below:
1. Increased risk of breast cancer
Long-term use of combined estrogen-progestin therapy (CHT) has been associated with a small but increased risk of breast cancer. The risk appears to be higher with long-term use and decreases after stopping therapy. Research data shows that one additional case of breast cancer occurs per 1000 women per year due to MHT use.
2. Increased risk of endometrial cancer
Estrogen-alone therapy (ET) can increase the risk of endometrial cancer in women who have not had a hysterectomy. Adding progestin to estrogen therapy reduces this risk.
3. Blood clots
MHT, particularly oral estrogen therapy, can increase the risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs. Older women, especially those above 60, who initiate MHT and consistently undergo treatment after their menopause, are at a slightly higher risk. (R)
4. Stroke
Some studies have suggested a small increase in the risk of stroke associated with MHT, particularly in older women or those with other risk factors for stroke (R).
Is it safe to use MHT?
Current international recommendations suggest that for females experiencing significant menopausal symptoms, the benefits of HRT/MHT generally outweigh the risks, indicating that it is effective and safe for most healthy individuals. ®
What is the most effective treatment for menopause?
Generally, Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy is considered the safest and most effective treatment for menopause. However it is best to consult with a medical professional before taking any treatment for menopause.
Is it worth taking HRT after menopause?
Yes, generally it is worth taking HRT after menopause. It is because HRT has the potential to reduce vaginal dryness, relief from hot flashes, and improve overall being.
What is the gold standard treatment for menopause?
Oestrogen Alone is considered the gold standard treatment for menopause.
Is HRT safe after menopause?
Yes, HRT is generally considered safe after menopause. However, its effects on individuals may vary.
What is the Best Place for Menopausal Hormone Therapy in WY?
Prometheuz HRT is one of the best clinics for Menopausal hormone therapy in WY. At Prometheuz HRT, we have a qualified medical staff with vast experience in MHT. We offer high-quality, patient-centric, and budget-friendly MHT to our patients.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) is a treatment option for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. While it can effectively alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, its safety and effectiveness may vary from person to person. Women need to discuss the potential benefits and risks with their healthcare provider before starting MHT.