The two hormones mainly used are estrogen or progesterone or a combination of both.
Final summary of Chapter 8 – Hormones contd. Types of hormone therapy (HRT)The two hormones mainly used are estrogen or progesterone or a combination of both.
Estrogen-only is recommended for women who’ve undergone a hysterectomy as estrogen-only it’s thought to raise the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer. Adding progesterone reduces this risk.
In the past a form of progestin called medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA “Provera) was more harmful to breast tissue. Now progesterone or dydrogesterone is more commonly used. The horse estrogen used in the past was more likely to cause clotting than in the new oestradiol preparations. But with any medical interventions, there may still be side effects. Hormone therapy, including the contraceptive pill does slightly increase the chances of breast cancer (oestrogen is a growth factor) and thrombosis (blood clotting) though studies show no increase in mortality – so early detection and treatment may be key. Breast cancer survival is now at 90%.
HRT is proven to:
– Reduce hot flushes*
– Reduce night sweats
– Improve urogenital health (pelvic floor, bladder function, vaginal dryness & sexual function etc.
*Incidentally, there’s “good evidence that women with hot flushes have a higher risk of heart disease” – suggesting that HRT may be of most benefit to them. And will also help to combat some chronic diseases of ageing:
– Improvement in bone health; less osteoporosis and fractures
– Less atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) – which means you’re less likely to have – heart disease, a stroke and dementia). The author says that “indications that hormone therapy under 59 years is beneficial, talk to your doctor before making a decision to get it.”
There’s not enough evidence to prove its effectiveness in treating mood swings, anxiety or depression.HRT can be prescribed as tablets, skin patches or gel that can be rubbed onto your skin, or less commonly, an implant that lasts several months. Another possibility is vaginal oestrogen applied as a cream, pessary or ring inside the vagina. Your Dr will discuss the best way to administer your HRT.