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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a popular treatment for the symptoms of
the menopause as it artificially adds hormones to the body that are lost because
of a natural decline in ovarian function. Although HRT helps many women to cope
to with their symptoms, especially when they are severe and affect quality of
life, it does have its risks and also a number of side effects. Thankfully many
of the side effects disappear within 3-6 months of starting the therapy and
if they don't then a change in the dosages should be discussed with a doctor.
So what are the potential side effects of HRT?
Fluid retention
HRT has been known to cause some women to retain excess fluid, especially if
they are overweight or are gaining weight because of the menopause. Excess fluid
can cause swollen ankles, bloating of the abdominal and stomach areas, facial
swelling, aching legs and tenderness in the breasts. The fluid should be lost
within two or three months of starting HRT however if it doesn't then it may
be that a change of dosage is required. Alternatively your doctor may urge you
to lose weight.
Nausea and vomiting
Some oral HRT treatments can cause nausea and occasionally vomiting however
this can be overcome in a number of ways.
- Tablets can be taken before bed with a light snack so that any nauseous
feelings are masked by sleep.
- HRT can be administered using an alternative route i.e. transdermal patch
or by injection.
PMS symptoms
If the dosage of HRT is too high then women can suffer with symptoms similar
to those of PMS i.e. bloating, leg cramps, mood swings, breast tenderness etc.
this often only occurs where the treatment includes the hormone progesterone
and so it may be that a different form of treatment is needed. Alternatively
another route for administration could be tried.
Bleeding
When HRT treatment includes both oestrogen and progesterone administration it
can induce heavy bleeding for the first few months. In around 80% of women that
experience this bleeding, the monthly period quickly settles into a regular
pattern that is no heavier or longer than their normal period. This form of
HRT is used mostly in the early stages of pre-menopause when the ovaries are
beginning to decline ad their hormone production levels become erratic.
When HRT is used in the late stages of menopause i.e. there hasn't been a menstrual
cycle for at least 12 months, then it can cause small amounts of bleeding in
the first few months. This problem should pass within six months however and
a doctor should be consulted if it doesn't.
Headaches
Some women experience more headaches and even migraines when they first begin
HRT. This is relatively uncommon however and can be treated with a simple painkiller
or a change of HRT if the problem continues.
Overall, the side effects of HRT are uncommon and only a handful of women suffer
severely. Even so these women can try different brands of HRT and different
routes of administration until they find one that works for them. Because every
female is different and the level of their hormone production varies greatly
it will require a bit of experimentation before the correct type of HRT and
the correct dosage are found. This can take a few months however the benefits
are often well worth the wait.
Alternative Menopause Treatments |
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