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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Understanding Menopause Symptoms, Benefits, and Risks

Sep 15, 2023

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment designed to alleviate menopause symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key aspects of HRT, including its benefits, potential risks, and the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional before considering this treatment.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy ?

Hormone Replacement Therapy, commonly known as HRT, is a medical intervention aimed at restoring hormonal balance in individuals experiencing deficiencies or imbalances in certain hormones like estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. This treatment can be administered through various methods, including pills, patches, gels, creams, spray or implants. HRT is especially beneficial in managing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

Types of HRT

HRT is broadly categorized into estrogen-only therapy (ET) and combined hormone therapy (CHT). ET is recommended for women who have undergone a hysterectomy, while CHT is suitable for women with an intact uterus. By combining estrogen and progestin, CHT minimizes the risk of uterine cancer. Additionally, hormone replacement therapy also encompasses testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men and women dealing with testosterone deficiencies.

HRT offers numerous benefits, including effective alleviation of menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Furthermore, it aids in preventing bone loss and reducing the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. HRT may also enhance cognitive function, sexual health, and overall quality of life, improving emotional well-being during this transitional phase.

Considerations

It’s important to consider potential risks when contemplating Hormone Replacement Therapy. Any potential risks associated with HRT can vary depending on age, medical history and type of treatment used. These risks may include a small increase in risk of blood clots if oral estrogen is used. This subsequently can impact risk of stroke and heart disease. However, if transdermal estrogen ie the one that enters the body via skin does not increase that risk. This includes estrogen gels, patches, creams, sprays and pellets.When taken orally the estrogen is processed through the liver first and can slightly increase the production of clotting factors and hence risk of small blood clots.This impact is however less than that of the combined oral contraceptive pill.Likewise synthetic progestins (unlike natural progesterone) maybe implicated in the slight increase in risk of breast cancer and clots. Therefore, it is crucial to have a consultation with a healthcare professional to make an informed decision.

Who can benefit from HRT?

Hormone Replacement Therapy is primarily recommended for individuals experiencing menopause symptoms or andropause (male menopause). Women going through menopause, those with premature ovarian insufficiency, and individuals with low testosterone levels may find relief through HRT. However, a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is vital to determine the suitability of HRT based on individual circumstances and medical history.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a valuable treatment option not only to manage symptoms of perimenopause and menopause but restore hormone balance and prevent disease.Before considering HRT, it is essential to seek guidance from a healthcare professional to ensure that all options relevant to your care have been discussed with you. This will help you to make an informed decision about your available options.

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Julie Anderson

12/07/2023

I approached Dr Meyer after my attempts to sort out my hormones with my local Dr were very unsatisfactory. Dr Meyer was very informative, friendly, professional and caring. She ran blood tests to find out exactly what was going on with my hormone levels, it was very thorough process. The result being I feel so much better, myself again, finally! Thank you Dr Meyer.

Deborah Barnett

I visited Dr Meyer as I wanted to see a specialist rather than my surgery doctor who not only is impossible to get an appointment with but prescribes HRT with a one fits all attitude. I have been so impressed with my progress with Dr Meyer and how much better I felt within the first 3 months of my individual prescription. Based on the improvements that showed from my blood tests and scan my next 3 month prescription was tweaked and again I feel I have more energy, sleep much better and my mood is now balanced again. So thank you Dr Meyer

Marie Chowdhury

06/07/2023

I can hand on heart recommend Dr Meyer. I spent 14 years with severe insomnia after giving birth to my first child, the only time in the 14 years that I did sleep better was when a was pregnant with my second child, which lead me to believe I had an in balance of hormones. I now know I have an over production of oestrogen and under production of progesterone and testosterone. Initially, consultations with the regular GP resulted in me taking antidepressants and sleeping tablets for a short period of time, which did not work. I also tried acupuncture, a nutritionist, Meridian tapping, yoga, reflexology, hypnotherapy. I saw several gynaecologists, one of which did not test my body and gave oestrogen orally and topically, which would have exasperated my condition. It was a god send when I found Dr Meyer, who operates robust , thorough tests. She has balanced my hormones, and with a combination of hormones and supplements, plus meditation, I am finally sleeping and enjoying life again. I can 100% recommend Dr Meyer.

Cathy Waddington

09/06/2023

I first visited the clinic in September of 2022. I had been experiencing many typical menopause symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, headaches and mood swings and these were interfering with my daily life and the smooth running of my business. Dr Sadia Meyer was very thorough in her approach and explained everything very clearly. She prescribed me a number of hormones specifically tailored to my symptoms, and a raft of vitamins and supplements. Just 3 months later I was already feeling the benefits, and a full 6 months later I can honestly say I am a different woman. I would highly recommend Dr Meyer to any woman going through menopause - don't suffer in silence!

C D

02/05/2023

Dr Meyer is knowledgable, compassionate and explains things in a really straightforward way. I am very happy that I found her.

Tamara Rowland

18/04/2023

Dr. Meyer is a god send. She explained the peri and menopause process clearly and tailored the HRT prescription to my individual needs. My brain fog was so bad I started to think I was getting early onset Alzheimers. Dr. Meyer addressed this along with my other many symptoms. Exceptionally thorough with follow up appointments. She is busy for a reason - she gets results. Highly Recommend!

Erica Lawrie

11/04/2023

If you are suffering or even think you might be suffering with menopause symptoms I encourage you to make an appointment with Dr Meyer. It is no exaggeration that her diagnosis and treatment literally changed my life! I was initially suffering with just hot flushes and sleep deprivation, I was totally miserable and exhausted. I went from initial consultation to life changing situation in a matter of weeks, the hot flushes were gone and I was getting 5-6 hrs uninterrupted sleep a night. I have remained a patient of Dr Meyer's now for 2-years as my symptoms have changed and new ones emerged like lack of libido and memory loss but with each review and adjustment to my HRT and supplements then each symptom gets addressed. Together we have learned so much about my body. Thank you Dr Meyer!

Lindsay Middleton

06/04/2023

After spending over a year on HRT treatment from the GP which wasn't working, I found Dr Meyer. I would highly recommend anyone with HRT symptoms to attend her clinic. I had suffered with hideous brain fog, anxiety, exhaustion and felt myself disappearing. After 4 months of being under the care of Dr Meyer, I am starting to feel like myself again. I am sleeping better, the anxiety is reducing and my energy and enjoyment for life is returning. I loved Dr Meyer's approach and finally felt heard and understood.

Sally Brown

30/03/2023

I knew feeling low, miserable and lack lustre wasn’t really ‘me’, however much my brain was tricking me it was. So, I over ruled my brain and decided to invest in myself and visit Dr Meyer. Dr Meyer made me laugh, explained things so well and after comprehensive checks, got me cracking on a plan. I have just had my 3 month review and discussed a few tweaks to my prescription, following my feedback and blood tests, and I’m feeling great. I’ve also had bonus advice on my skin too and with prescribed skincare from Dr Meyer my skin is now looking better than it has since it started being problematic probably in peri menopause with hindsight. Happy days! Thank you.

Rachel O'Farrell

24/03/2023

If you’re struggling through perimenopause like I was, I certainly recommend reaching out to see Dr Meyer. I am finally feeling understood, cared for and much, much better.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Understanding Menopause Symptoms, Benefits, and Risks

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