The Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Women that are experiencing menopause as they age, or are going into forced menopause due to a hysterectomy, may find their doctor discuss the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, also called HRT.

Hormone replacement therapy is the process in which synthetic hormones are given to a woman to combat the undesirable effects of menopause. Usually this type of treatment consists of a combination of estrogen and progesterone, although other hormone combinations are possible.

While some doctors believe there are disadvantages of taking synthetic hormone replacements, many women feel that the benefits of hormone replacement therapy outweigh the bad.

One huge benefit of hormone replacement therapy is that this treatment can often successfully reduce many of the symptoms associated with menopause. These include hot flashes, and night sweats. Many women report being better able to sleep at night.

For some women it is only necessary to take their prescriptions on a short-term basis, while for others more long-term care is required to keep their symptoms under control. Most doctors will prescribe the lowest dose that is possible to avoid any unpleasant side effects.

For women who suffer from mood swings and irritability, HRT can be very effective. It can also help with symptoms such as vaginal dryness and bladder issues. Usually, when replacement hormones are given for relief of symptoms, the drug is only taken for a short period. Most doctors recommend stopping the therapy every two to three years, at which point they can re-assess the woman's health history and need for HRT.

The benefits of hormone replacement therapy extend for women who suffer from osteoporosis or who have osteoporosis in the family. Doctors often recommend it in these cases, as it increases bone density.

Osteoporosis is caused by decreased bone density, and is a very common age-related disease in women. As they age, most women experience some degree of bone density loss. By taking hormone replacements, this disease can be reduced drastically. Long term treatment is usually required for women who already have osteoporosis.

HRT can also help reduce the risks of Alzheimer's, colon cancer and degenerative eye diseases.

When a woman starts taking hormone replacement therapy, doctors will usually prescribe the lowest possible dose. After a while, a woman's doctor may choose to increase the dosage depending on her personal needs and hormone profile.

In order to see the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, it should be given for three to six months so it can reach its' full effect. It may be a good choice for women experiencing the side effects of menopause and hysterectomies. A medical professional can recommend what is right for each individual, and help her weigh up the benefits, risks, and possible side effects.