Some people may be enduring the painful menopausal symptoms that appear one after another, such as hot flashes, sweating, irritability, and insomnia, all on their own.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment option for women suffering from painful menopausal symptoms. However, when you hear the word "hormones," some people may imagine fear of side effects.
In this article, we will explain the correct information about hormone replacement therapy, including its benefits, side effects, and costs.
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What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that uses small amounts of medication to replace the female hormone (estrogen) that rapidly decreases during menopause. By supplementing with female hormones, it is not only possible to alleviate unpleasant symptoms such as hot flashes and depression, but it is also expected to have the effect of preventing diseases that increase the risk of after menopause (such as osteoporosis).
There are three types of medications: oral medication, patches, and topical ointments. You can choose the most appropriate one together with your doctor, taking into consideration your constitution, lifestyle, and wishes. Hormone replacement therapy is different from symptomatic treatment that simply suppresses symptoms; it is a fundamental treatment that directly addresses hormone deficiency, the root cause of the condition.
source:Japan Society of Women's Medicine | For those considering hormone replacement therapy: "To properly understand hormone replacement therapy - From the Hormone Replacement Therapy Guidelines"
Specific benefits of hormone replacement therapy
The female hormone estrogen not only regulates menstruation and pregnancy, but also works to protect a woman's overall health. Therefore, supplementing estrogen through hormone replacement therapy can be expected to have many benefits, including alleviating painful symptoms and preventing future illnesses.
Specific benefits of hormone replacement therapy include:
- Relieves menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, sweating, palpitations, irritability, insomnia, etc.)
- Increases bone density
- It has a positive effect on lipid and glucose metabolism
- Maintains blood vessel flexibility
- Improves menopausal depression
- Increases collagen in the skin and keeps it moisturized
- Reduces the risk of colorectal cancer
Hormone replacement therapy not only relieves immediate discomfort, but can also help you to feel more comfortable and positive during the changing period of menopause.
source:Women's Health and Menopause Association | Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Side effects and risks of hormone replacement therapy that you should know about
When starting hormone replacement therapy, it is very important to correctly understand the side effects and risks.
The main side effects that may occur in the early stages of treatment include irregular bleeding, breast tenderness and pain, nausea, abdominal bloating, and vaginal discharge. These often occur as the body adjusts to the hormonal changes, and although they vary from person to person, they generally improve naturally as treatment continues.
A major risk is known to be thrombosis, which occurs when blood clots form in the blood vessels. However, this risk can be reduced by using patches and ointments, which will be discussed later.
It has also been revealed that the increase in breast cancer risk due to hormone replacement therapy is equal to or less than that caused by lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and obesity, and that the risk varies depending on the type of progesterone preparation used in combination with hormone replacement therapy in women with a uterus.
Of course, there are some people who cannot undergo hormone replacement therapy, such as those with a history of breast cancer or thrombosis. However, if you undergo treatment while checking your health through regular gynecological checkups and breast cancer screenings, you can properly manage your risks and continue treatment safely.
source:Japan Society of Women's Medicine | For those considering hormone replacement therapy: "To properly understand hormone replacement therapy - From the Hormone Replacement Therapy Guidelines"
source:Japan Women's Medical Association | Choose with the right knowledge! Treatments for a healthy menopause (Menopause treatments)
Types of hormone replacement therapy medications and cost estimates
Here we will explain the types of medications used in hormone replacement therapy and an estimate of their costs.
Types of hormone replacement therapy medications
There are three main types of estrogen preparations used in hormone replacement therapy.
- Oral medication: Long-standing and well-known
- Patch: A sticker-type medication that is applied to the stomach, lower back, etc.
- Ointment (gel): A gel-type medicine that is applied to the arm, etc.
Patches and ointments have become popular in recent years because the ingredients are absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream directly, putting less strain on the liver and lowering the risk of thrombosis compared to oral medications. However, some people may experience itchy skin or the patch may peel off due to sweat.
In addition, those with a uterus will also be given another hormone called a progesterone to prevent uterine cancer. Furthermore, with the patch, if it comes off frequently and the administration interval becomes unstable, there may be concerns about increased irregular bleeding.
Which method is best varies greatly from person to person, so it is important to actually try it out and adjust it while checking the effects and side effects.
Cost of Hormone Replacement Therapy
If a doctor determines that menopausal symptoms caused by a decrease in hormones are interfering with daily life, health insurance will apply. The cost varies depending on the type of medication and the number of days prescribed, but if insurance is applied (30% co-payment), the general guideline is around 1,000 to 2,500 yen per month. Regular examinations and tests will incur additional costs.
source:Japan Society of Women's Medicine | For those considering hormone replacement therapy: "To properly understand hormone replacement therapy - From the Hormone Replacement Therapy Guidelines"
summary
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), when administered under the proper diagnosis and supervision of a specialist, is an effective and safe treatment that can help women comfortably get through the difficult period of menopause.
Don't just blindly believe the information in the media, but properly understand the benefits and risks for yourself, and discuss the treatment options thoroughly with your doctor. Don't just put up with it alone, thinking, "It can't be helped because it's menopause," but consult a gynecologist and ask if hormone replacement therapy is a treatment option.