Are the benefits of HRT worth it? And why should we take HRT if we’re coping without it during perimenopause and menopause? Shouldn’t we simply accept this as the natural process of how we age?
Would we benefit from HRT?
When I’ve spoken to other women my age, I’ve discovered that many don’t use HRT because they don’t think they need it or have tried it but stopped using it after a while.
On a personal note, I could have started HRT sooner than I did. But for some reason, I didn’t even consider it. I think my symptoms presented themselves so gradually that I thought they were normal. I thought that all women my age felt angry, and tearful and had hot flushes. All the memes confirmed that it was something middle-aged women simply endured and had a laugh about. But, when I did start HRT, and understood its benefits, I soon realised that I could have avoided some of my anguish had I started earlier. I think this is the case for many women.
Despite there being a big uptake of women taking HRT in recent years because there’s more information available now, and certain misinformation has been corrected, there are still many who aren’t on HRT, for a variety of reasons. So I thought I’d write about the benefits of HRT for those who may be thinking about starting HRT or are undecided about whether they need it.
Of course, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has long been a topic of discussion and importance for those experiencing menopause or other hormonal imbalances. But recently more money has been invested in women’s health, and new research highlights some important discoveries.
As people live longer and want to maintain a high quality of life, they’ve discovered that the role of HRT has become increasingly relevant. So to understand the benefits and reasons for taking HRT, we turn to the insights of medical experts.
Related: Which Hormone Replacement Therapy will be the Best Solution for You?
What are the benefits of HRT, according to the experts?
1. Alleviation of Menopausal Symptoms
One of the main reasons women turn to HRT is to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness can significantly impact daily life. HRT is the most highly effective way to reduce these symptoms, providing relief and improving overall well-being. Dr Louise Newson says, “Hormone replacement therapy can transform lives by alleviating distressing menopausal symptoms. It’s vital that women have access to accurate information and the support they need to consider HRT as a safe and effective option.”
2. Prevention of Osteoporosis
As estrogen levels drop during menopause, the risk of developing osteoporosis increases. This condition weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. HRT helps maintain bone density, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. It’s a critical preventive measure for long-term bone health. Dr Marco Gambacciani, the president of the Italian Menopause Society, states “In the context of bone health, HRT is unparalleled in its ability to prevent bone degradation and support overall skeletal integrity in postmenopausal women.”
3. Improved Cardiovascular Health
Emerging evidence suggests that HRT may have protective effects on the heart. Estrogen is believed to help maintain healthy blood vessels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Gynaecologist Professor Isaac Manyonda states, “The evidence is very good that HRT will reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.” While more research is needed, current studies indicate that HRT can be beneficial for cardiovascular health, particularly when started near the onset of menopause.
4. Enhanced Mood and Mental Health
Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. HRT can stabilise hormone levels, leading to improved mood and mental health. Dr Lisa Mosconi says “Estrogen is the “master regulator” of women’s brain health.” Many women experience a significant improvement in their mental health with HRT, as it helps to regulate the hormonal fluctuations that contribute to mood disorders.
5. Better Sleep Quality
Sleep disturbances are a common complaint among menopausal women. Night sweats and insomnia can severely affect sleep quality. HRT has been shown to improve sleep patterns by dealing with the hormonal causes of insomnia, reducing night sweats and helping to maintain a more stable sleep cycle.
Also, many women take micronised progesterone (Utrogestan) as the progestogen part of their HRT. Utrogestan is a natural sedative and is usually taken at night time, so can cause drowsiness for some women – a bonus if you’re struggling to sleep.
6. Sexual Health and Function
Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse are common issues during menopause. HRT can help alleviate these symptoms by restoring vaginal moisture and elasticity. HRT can significantly improve sexual health and function, making intimacy more comfortable and enjoyable for many women.
Need more information?
You may feel like you’re coping fine during perimenopause or menopause, however, it’s worth noting that the changes that occur as our hormones fluctuate and decline can creep up on you. I can attest to that. When I was in the thick of it, I didn’t even realise it.
You may have slowly gotten used to how you’re feeling, unaware that you could feel even better. And of course, some benefits, like improved cardiovascular and bone health, may not be as obvious immediately.
Dr Lisa Mosconi recently discovered that our brains create more estrogen receptors to look for estrogen as our levels start declining. Our bodies need and want oestrogen to do their jobs. We’re living longer now and medical experts are discovering ways to live better and healthier lives. When you know better, you do better. Right?
More on the benefits of HRT
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I also found myself nodding my head so much while listening to this podcast.
The benefits of HRT according to Dr Louise Newton and Professor Isaac Manyonda:
(Please note: This interview was done in 2021 and even more discoveries have been made since then.)
Further benefits of HRT, according to Dr Louise Newson
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Conclusion
Of course, the decision to start HRT is a personal one. I think it should be made in consultation with your doctor and your personal medical history. However, the benefits of HRT, including easing menopausal symptoms, preventing osteoporosis, improving cardiovascular health, enhancing mood and mental health, better sleep quality, and improving sexual health, are persuasive reasons to consider this treatment.
As with any medical therapy, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the risks and to seek personalised advice from medical experts. For many women, HRT can be a transformative option, enhancing the quality of life during the menopausal transition and beyond.
You may also want to read: HRT: What’s the Difference Between Body-Identical and Bio-Identical Hormones?
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