As a health care provider, you know the life-changing difference thathormone replacement therapy can make for menopausal women. Many women, understandably, have questions about beginning HRT. AtTrocar Supplies, we're here to help you provide your patients with the latest research they need to decide whetherhormone replacement therapy is the right fit for their needs. Here, we'll explore the latest peer-reviewed research on hormone replacement therapy, what experts have to say about HRT research, and how you can provide your patients with asafe, effective hormone replacement therapy experience.
The latest research on HRT 2024 comes from a 2024 JAMA study by researchers affiliated with Harvard Medical School, Stanford University, and the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles. The study showed that hormonal therapy is safe and effective for women who are interested in treating vasomotor symptoms (such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, heart palpitations, headaches, and dizziness).
In addition to an overall recommendation forHRT for menopausal women who are experiencing bothersome symptoms, the latest research on HRT 2024 also recommends that women begin hormone therapy before 60 years of age if they're experiencing troubling menopausal symptoms.
The JAMA study showed that women who take hormone therapy earlier in life have a lower risk of adverse effects than those who start HRT later. For women who do not have contraindications, hormone replacement therapy can be a safe, effective, reliable way to relieve difficult menopausal symptoms, contradicting a2002 study that cited an increased risk of breast cancer and stroke in women who were using HRT.
Women's health experts agree that the Jama study supports the safety of HRT.
Study author and Chief of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital,Dr. JoAnn Manson, stated, "Among women below the age of 60, we found hormone therapy has low risk of adverse events and is safe for treating hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms."
Dr. Manson went on to say that non-oral hormones offer a lower risk of adverse effects than traditional oral estrogen.
"The advantage of a transdermal estrogen is that it is not metabolized by the liver, and because it's not metabolized by the liver, we don't see that increase in blood clots," Dr. Manson said.
Dr. Lauren Streicher, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, agrees with Dr. Manson.
"Women should know that hormone therapy is safe and beneficial," Dr. Streicher said of the JAMA study. "We learned what not to do. And we know that there is a window of opportunity when it is the safest to start hormone therapy and get the most benefit."
By and large, non-oral hormone therapy is viewed as the safest, most effective way for women to increase estrogen levels and decrease bothersome menopausal symptoms.
While there are not currently absolute contraindications for HRT, women who have certain health issues should work closely with their healthcare provider to ensure that HRT is the right fit for their needs. Women who have a history of breast cancer, a history of endometrial cancer, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, endometriosis, fibroids, porphyria, severe active liver disease, or other health conditions should talk with their care provider to determine whether it makes sense to move forward with hormone replacement therapy.
In the past, many women were rightfully concerned about an increased risk of stroke and certain cancers associated with hormone replacement therapy. The 2024 JAMA study makes it clear that when used correctly, HRT can be a safe and effective way to manage menopausal symptoms.
As mentioned by Dr. Streicher, it's key to consider the window of time when it makes the most sense to begin HRT. Most doctors recommend that women start HRT between the ages of 50 and 60 for the safest, most effective course of treatment.
Using bioidentical hormones is an important part of creating a safe experience for patients using HRT. It's also a best practice for women to take HRT transdermally or through under-the-skin pellets rather than orally.
As mentioned, age is also an important consideration for patients considering hormone therapy. Starting HRT between age 50 and 60, within 10 years of the patient's first 12 months without a period, increases the safety of hormone therapy.
It's also important for patients to regularly attend follow-up appointments and report any concerning symptoms to their doctor. Typically, pellet therapy is effective for three to five months. An open line of communication is important to ensure that pellet HRT patients receive their next dose at a time appropriate for continued symptom control.
It's essential to use high-quality medical supplies to provide your patients with the best hormone replacement therapy possible. Pellet therapy offers your patients a convenient, effective way to get the HRT that they need without the issues of poor absorption that can sometimes occur with transdermal options. In addition to offering high-quality pellet therapy, it's also important to use effective numbing agents to ensure a comfortable experience during the pellet procedure. Using industry-best HRT supplies can help patients rest assured that they're getting asafe, well-researched treatment option.
At Trocar Supplies, our team is here to provide you with high-quality hormone replacement pellets so you can rest assured that you're giving your patients the best HRT on the market today. Whether you've been providing your patients with hormone therapy for years or you're just beginning to explore your options for helping your menopausal patients, we're excited to talk to you about how we're making a difference in women's health. Reach out to us today to learn more.
