Ways To Take on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Are There Any Alternatives to It?

As we get old, we suffer from various diseases. This is caused by the lack of different hormones in our bodies. Hormones keep our organs active and healthy. When our body stops producing them, we get affected by many diseases. Thankfully, now we can medically replace the lacking hormones and regain our good health. Let us talk about HRT, how it helps, how you can take it and its alternatives.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

In this therapy, hormones produced by natural compounds are supplied to our bodies. As we reach menopause, our body stops producing several hormones. The therapy can replace these hormones, while filling the gap.  

How does Hormone Replacement Therapy help?

Hormone replacement therapy gives you relief from all the symptoms of menopause. It can heal night sweats, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and lack of sex drive. It also improves bone density and prevents any bone weakness.  

What are the types of Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy has many types. The types can also be divided into subcategories. The complete list is given below:

• Types of hormones
• Ways of taking the therapy
• Type of treatment plans

Types of hormones

Different types of hormones can be used in this therapy. It mainly depends on the hormone that is lacking in your body. There are two types of hormones that are primarily used in this therapy, which are:

• Estrogen

• It includes hormones like estrone, estradiol, and estriol.

• Progestogen

Here, a synthetic or a type of micronized progesterone is used.

In the HRT process, either both of these hormones or estrogen is used. If your womb is removed for some surgical purpose, estrogen is commonly recommended. 

Ways of taking the therapy

It’s possible to take hormone replacement therapy in different forms. First, you need to know all the pros and cons of each therapy before choosing the appropriate one. Finding the best clinic for the therapy is also a must. Revitalize You MD provides hormone replacement therapy that has effectively changed many lives. So, you must visit them if you are willing to take HRT.

Tablets

Hormonal tablets are the most familiar way of taking HRT. You need to take one tablet each day for effective results. You can get both combined HRT and estrogen-only tablets easily. For women, this is the most convenient way to get hormone replacement therapy. But you must keep in mind that all the risks related to HRT are relatively higher with tablets. For example, the chances of blood clotting will be higher if you take these tablets compared to other HRT therapies.

Skin patches

Skin patches are also a method of hormone replacement therapy. In this method, you stick some patches on your skin and replace them after a few days. You need to repeat the process throughout your treatment. Both types of patches are available for you. Skin patches are a better and safer option than taking tablets. They do not have any side-effects like indigestion and there is no risk of blood clotting. 

Estrogen gel

This is one of the most known methods of hormone replacement treatment. The gel is rubbed on your skin daily. You can apply it once. Gel is another convenient way to fix the hormonal imbalance, and it has no side-effects. If you have your womb intact, you also need to take some progesterone to avoid womb cancer.

Implants

An implant is also an HRT therapy. Here, small pallets are implanted under your skin. It is basically done around your belly area. Before the insertion, your skin is numbed with local anesthesia. The implant will release estrogen naturally. One implant can last for a few months, so no need to replace the pallet regularly. So, if you have a busy schedule and cannot follow a regular treatment, you can opt for implants. Women with a womb also need to take progesterone separately.  

Types of treatment plans

There are broadly two types of treatments. Your menopause stage determines what you should do.

Cyclical HRT

This is a periodical HRT. It also has two types. The first one is monthly HRT, and the other one is 3-monthly HRT. Here, estrogen is taken regularly, and progesterone is taken in intervals of 14 days.

Continuous combined HRT

In this treatment, both the hormones are taken everyday. It is recommended for post-menopausal women. 

What can be the alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy?

If you are unwilling to take hormone therapy, you can practice some good habits and stay fit. 

• Regular exercising is a must
• Following a healthy diet is also important
• Sleep in a well-ventilated room
• Wear loose clothes while sleeping
• Avoid coffee, alcohol, and spicy food items
• Take stress management classes
• Quit smoking
• For vaginal dryness, use moisturizers.

There are also some complementary therapies and some pills that can be used to replace HRT.

Conclusion

Staying healthy is everyone’s goal. Exercise, along with keeping fit, is imperative to maintain a healthy lifestyle. All these medical procedures will help you reach your goal. But in the end, it is your will and determination that can keep you healthy. So, choose your lifestyle wisely.