Menopause is the final physiological bleeding from the uterus. Diagnosis is made retrospectively following the 6-12-month interval from the menstrual period absence. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 50. It is a phase of a woman’s life when ovarian hormone production gradually declines and completely ceases.
Due to their menopausal symptoms, most of women refer to a gynecologist. More than 75% of them experience hot flushes and sweats that seriously affect their quality of life. The woman becomes emotionally labile that is frequently reflected in mood changes, anxiety and depression. Her skin is thinned and dry, and nails fragile. Vaginal dryness results in painful intercourse, and frequently recurrent urinary infections. Bones become fragile and vulnerable to fracture, and the incidence rate for heart attack and brain stroke increases.
The duty of the gynecologist is therefore to try to prevent all these changes, and get every woman acquainted with the advantages and drawbacks of hormone replacement therapy.
Hormone replacement therapy, as it name suggests, provides hormones to replace the lacking ones or those no longer produced by the body. In gynecology, this means replacement of hormones no longer produced by the ovaries, i.e. estrogen and/or progesterone. Natural hormone replacement helps relieve menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes and night sweats, and also other phychosomatic results due to hormone insufficiency. Such treatment has helped millions of women overcome the change and preserve their health. However, HRT is not necessarily the best option to every menopausal woman. Before starting HRT, menopausal symptoms should be assessed first, followed by other evaluations, including: body weight and blood pressure measurements, gynecological exam with a Pap test, ultrasound for the uterine mucosa thickness, breast examination and mammogram. When, to whom and what therapy would be recommended depends on myriad factors. As any other therapy, artificial replacement of natural hormones has its drawbacks, too. You may always seek counseling and advice about HRT benefits and risks from our experienced gynecologists who are at your disposal every day. Each provider will give in-depth information and each woman should be aware of the risks of both HRT use and non-use.
The decision, however, remains at patient’s discretion, who herself should weigh how much do the described symptoms diminish her quality of life, what are her chances of developing osteoporosis, and then, after the required tests, decide FOR or AGAINST hormone replacement therapy.
