Weighing the Pros and Cons of HRT with Marion Gluck Clinic

Each person’s body, life circumstances, and health history are unique. Looking at the pros and cons of HRT becomes something that is personal. It is going to include looking at the evidence out there about the benefits and risks of this treatment option and what it means for you.

Hormonal Symptoms Relief

HRT has been prescribed to many people to help in addressing a wide range of symptoms for both women and men struggling with age-related hormone changes and hormone imbalances. Symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, fatigue, depression, low sex drive, and sleep problems have improved after using HRT. There are those who usually use it for a short time, but there is also the option of using it long-term to keep these symptoms at bay.

Osteoporosis Prevention

HRT can help in preventing osteoporosis in both women and men. Research has shown HRT can also be used in preventing issues like osteoporosis in women, especially when they start within 10 years of menopause and offer protection when taking the treatment. Testosterone replacement therapy has also been shown to improve bone mineral density, especially for men suffering from low testosterone.

Heart Disease Prevention

HRT can help in decreasing heart disease in both men and women including related mortality. Estrogen replacement therapy for women has been shown to reduce coronary heart disease death and incidence. Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to help in lowering the risk of adverse cardiovascular events for men suffering from androgen deficiency.

Dementia Risk Reduction

Estrogen replacement therapy has been associated with reduced risk of dementia when a person takes it in mid-life, but not later in life.

Improved Quality of Life

There is the potential for body identical HRT to bring in a lot of health benefits and symptom relief. It is also a good option for improving the quality of life. When your hormone-related issues and symptoms are taken care of, you will most likely start to feel more energetic, balanced, and empowered to go on with your day-to-day life. You can experience a wide range of wellness and health benefits, but it depends on the hormonal imbalance and the treatment that is prescribed. Some of the benefits include improved bone density, muscle retention, enhanced mood, improved memory, improved sex life, better sleep, and more motivation and energy to face your day.

HRT Side Effects

There are some people who experience side effects when they take it, which is a common thing when using any medical treatment. Depending on the type of HRT, the side effects can include mood changes, headaches, irritability, sleep disruption, bloating, nausea, irritation because of topical administration, and hair loss. Most of the side effects you are going to get when you use HRT are mild and dose-dependent. This makes it important to talk with your practitioner so they can fine-tune the dosage so that it improves tolerability.

Breast Cancer Risk

American Association for Cancer Research did a recent study and they found that combination therapy with progestin and estrogen increases breast cancer risk and mortality. This hasn’t been seen in women who use bioidentical progesterone. If someone is concerned about breast cancer risks, then it is better for them to choose bioidentical HRT instead of conventional treatment. The study also found that estrogen-only HRT may help in reducing breast cancer incidence and mortality.

Cardiovascular Risks

There are studies showing women taking oral estrogen and combination therapy have an increased risk of venomous thromboembolism and stroke. These risks tend to be dose-dependent and are more common in oral administration; there is an increased risk of strokes in higher doses but not lower doses. VTE risks can be seen in oral estrogen therapy, but that is not the case with transdermal HRT. There has been mixed evidence with men, but a 2018 metareview did not find any association between VTE and testosterone therapy.

Addison

Addison is a student of the Aust Abbottabad University of Science and Technology. He started his graduation in 2016 and graduated in 2020. I’m a professional article and blog writer, has written dozens of content on different topics and worked with professionals all over the globe. Feel free to contact me for any assistance. [email protected]