Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is a therapy in which deficient or lacking hormones are replaced by synthetic or man-made hormones. HRT is most often used as treatment for menopause symptoms and complications, but can be used to treat other medical conditions. According to the NHANES III study, from 1988 to 1994 approximately 44 percent of women reported using hormone replacement therapy.
Menopause
Menopause is a natural event in a woman's life marked by an end to menstruation and fertility along with hormonal changes. Menopause occurs at an average age of 51 and is defined as occurring 12 months after the last menstrual period, according to the North American Menopause Society. During this time, the body experiences a variety of symptoms due to changing levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Common symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal and bladder changes, mood swings and weight changes.
Benefits
Hormone replacement therapy is useful in replacing and balancing abnormal hormone levels during menopause. It is recommended as treatment for the symptoms of menopause as well as protection against certain diseases and conditions that can arise from lower levels of estrogen and progesterone. These include osteoporosis, colorectal cancer, fractures and heart disease, according to the North American Menopause Society.
Risks
Hormone replacement therapy is recommended for short-term use, as long-term treatment increases the risk of serious conditions. Long-term use of progestin and estrogen therapy in combination increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, breast cancer and blood clots, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. Estrogen therapy alone has been shown to increase the risk of stroke and blood clots. Women with breast cancer, heart disease and blood clots should avoid using hormone replacement therapy.
Procedure
Hormone replacement therapy consists of synthetic estrogen alone or in combination with progestin, a man-made form of progesterone. Forms of administration include pills, skin patches and creams. Estrogen pills alone are administered on a daily basis for 25 days each month while combination therapy is administered every day or in a cyclic method consisting of estrogen for 25 days and progestin for 10 to 14 days each month. Skin patches are applied to the abdomen or buttocks every three to seven days and are worn at all times of the day, even during showering or swimming. Estrogen creams are inserted into and around the vagina to alleviate vaginal dryness and urinary complications, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center.
Other Uses
Although most often used as treatment for menopause, hormone replacement therapy can be used in growth and thyroid hormone deficiencies, sex reassignment and testosterone therapy and intersex conditions, such as Klinefelter's and Turner syndrome, according to YoungHappy.com. Different hormones are used depending on the condition, desired outcome and lacking hormone.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Hormone Replacement Therapy
- YoungHappy.com: Different Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy
- The Ohio State University Medical Center: Hormone Replacement Therapy
- MayoClinic.com: Menopause
- National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Use of Hormone Replacment Therapy Among Postmenopausal Women in the United States, 1988-94
