The use of hormone replacement therapy has been vigorously debated for the last two decades. On one side, the belief was that hormones could increase the risk of blood clots and breast cancer. On the other side, specialists argued that hormone replacement therapy after menopause can actually decrease mortality rates, pointing to the protective effects of HRT on the heart and bones. So who’s right?
Our expert, Dr. Angela Pollard, explains the current thinking on hormone replacement therapy, when it’s unsafe when it is safe to use, and who can benefit from it.
The current knowledge we have about hormone therapy and menopausal women is that women who start taking hormones as soon as their hormones start declining reap the most benefits.
Older studies that point out increased mortality rates in women who take HRT were looking at women past the age of 70, where mortality is increased due to other factors. To this day, very few women past the age of 70 are considered good candidates for HRT.
Women under the age of 60 not only have their symptoms reduced or eliminated altogether but also reduce their risk for bone density loss and cardiovascular disease. In other words, starting HRT early on can boost life quality and not impact your lifespan; it may even prolong it.
A good candidate for HRT should be in generally good health and experience low hormone levels or hormone imbalances.
You may not be a good candidate if you have a blood clotting disorder, a history of estrogen-dependent cancers, or liver disease.
HRT can help with the following:
HRT comes in many forms. Dr. Pollard uses BioTE® hormone replacement therapy, a superior form of HRT that involves placing pellet inserts underneath your skin two to four times per year. These pellets secrete fixed amounts of hormones, which lowers the risk of side effects and ensures your hormones are at optimal levels.
If you suspect you may be suffering from a hormone imbalance, whether it is caused by menopause or other reasons, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. Dr. Pollard understands how nerve-wracking hormone issues can be and takes the time to look at your medical records and previous history of lab tests.
Based on your lab tests and medical history, she will then present you with all the treatment options available to improve your quality of life.
