Menopause is the end of a woman's reproductive ability. As the ovaries stop producing eggs, estrogen levels decrease and eventually reach a minimum in the blood. These changing hormone levels can cause hot flashes, vaginal side effects (such as itching or dryness) and osteoporosis. Hormone therapy is one way of combating these symptoms of menopause.
Identification
Hormone therapy can be used to treat some of the symptoms of menopause. Standard hormone replacement therapy involves taking estrogen and progesterone, which are two female sex hormones that decline once a woman goes into menopause. Estrogen helps prevent hot flashes, osteoporosis, and vaginal itching/dryness, and the progesterone works to reduce the risk of uterine cancer (estrogen alone can lead to this condition).
Administration
Hormone replacement therapy is typically taken orally with tablets. Some tablets have estrogen and progesterone and should be taken daily. Other forms of hormone therapy have the hormones separated, requiring different pills to be taken depending on the day. These medications should always be taken according to the package instructions.
Mild Side Effects
Hormone replacement therapy can cause a number of side effects. Gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea, as well as changes in appetite and weight. Hormone replacement can also cause headaches, skin discoloration, nervousness, fluid retention and acne. Women who use replacement hormones during perimenopause may also experience spotting or bleeding in between menstrual periods as well as changes in their menstrual flow.
Serious Side Effects
Some of the side effects from hormone treatments are very serious and require immediate medical attention. These include double vision, severe depression, and extreme fatigue, loss of energy, or muscle weakness. Hormone replacement therapy can also cause liver problems, leading to abdominal pain and jaundice. Rashes, fever, dark urine, or a light-colored stool also require consultation with a physician.
Hormone Therapy and Cancer
One of the drawbacks of hormone replacement therapy is the increased risk of cancer that it can cause. Although progesterone supplementation reduces this side effect, hormone therapy for menopause can increase the risk of uterine cancer. An increased risk of cancer of the gall bladder is another side effect. Consequently, the NIH recommends taking hormone replacement therapy for as short a period of time as possible and frequent doctor's visits (every three to six months) to see if it is still necessary.
