Perhaps you’ve just started menopause and are some of its symptoms are bothering you, or maybe you’ve heard of hormone treatment but wonder if it’s a good solution since it’s still controversial. What should you do? Let’s break it down!
Many women dread the onset of menopause and its associated symptoms. Indeed, this period of life comes with significant psychological and physical changes. Hormone therapy can be effective in relieving menopausal symptoms but is not appropriate for all women, so it’s not something to go into lightly!
Menopause generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with an average age of 51, and is defined as the cessation of menstrual bleeding for at least 12 consecutive months.
Peri menopause is the period preceding menopause and is often characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, sleep or mood disturbances, and other symptoms.
The transition to menopause can last from 4 to 8 years. Symptom intensity often diminishes over time, but regular medical checkups can help you manage this phase and keep you feeling your best.
Menopause occurs after a gradual decrease in the synthesis of two reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Ovulation then ceases, marking the end of fertility. In addition, several unpleasant symptoms can occur due to less estrogen flowing through the body.
Estrogen supplements can compensate for the body’s reduced production of this hormone and therefore be used to treat menopausal symptoms. Women who still have a uterus will also take a progesterone supplement. Known as hormone therapy, this treatment can be administered in several ways:
Because they have the same composition as hormones naturally produced by the body, bioidentical hormone treatments can help relieve certain symptoms.
Good to know: Despite being called “natural,” these hormones are still medications and should always be prescribed and monitored by a health care professional as they pose risks and are contraindicated for some women.
Good to know: Everyone experiences these symptoms differently, both in intensity and frequency. If your symptoms are starting to affect your quality of life, we recommend talking to your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to determine if estrogen deficiency is to blame and suggest appropriate solutions.
As it stands today, hormones are a valid treatment option for menopausal women. However, recent scientific research has cast doubt on their safety. In fact, hormones may slightly increase the risk of certain diseases, including the following:
Since these results were published, there have been a few adjustments made to hormone prescriptions so as to reduce risks. In general, these rules must now be followed:
Hormone therapy may be indicated and effective in cases of severe menopausal symptoms, i.e., when symptoms are not alleviated by non-medicinal measures and are an obstacle to daily activities. Hormones cannot be prescribed in the following cases:
Smokers are also poor candidates for hormone therapy because their risk of cardiovascular events is higher.
This does not mean that hormone therapy should no longer be used. It simply means that everyone should weigh its pros and cons. Treatment is justified when the benefits of symptom relief are significant and health risks are low.
Good to know: To determine if hormone treatment is right for you, your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are taking. They will then be able to assess the risks and benefits of hormone treatment and come to a decision that will protect your health. Keep in mind that the final decision about whether or not to try hormone replacement therapy is yours to make.
If your doctor feels that hormones are a good treatment option for you, they will then choose the most appropriate way to administer them. One advantage of topical hormones is reduced cardiovascular risk, so this method is considered to be the safest for people at risk of cardiovascular disease. If you suffer from a more localized symptom, such as vaginal dryness, vaginally administered hormones may be the best choice.
Taking hormone replacement therapy may have certain side effects. Your pharmacist will be able to explain what to expect and advise you on the best way to take your medication.
To summarize, hormones still have a place in the arsenal of treatments for menopausal symptoms. When used correctly, they can be of great help to women who are struggling with severe symptoms and considerably improve their quality of life. Every woman must, however, weigh the pros and cons before starting this treatment. Information is your best tool when it comes to making a decision about hormone therapy because knowledge is power!
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