The Role of HRT for Perimenopause

brandon llewellyn | 04 November, 2024


          
            The Role of HRT for Perimenopause

It's estimated that approximately a billion women around the world have been affected by perimenopause and menopause. Perimenopause means "around menopause," and it refers to the transition period in the woman's life that comes just before menopause. Menopause is the end of the reproductive years.

Perimenopause comes with a variety of symptoms and can be very disruptive for the person experiencing them. Hormone replacement therapy, also calledHRT, is a popular and effective treatment for this condition. Whether you're a woman going through perimenopause, or you're a medical professional seeking more information about HRT for menopause, the following information is important.

 

Perimenopause and Its Symptoms

Perimenopause is a condition that represents the transition between the reproductive years and menopause. There is no specific test to detect perimenopause. Instead, the only way to know when perimenopause is happening is to see the doctor and discuss symptoms, age, menstrual history, and other relevant details. Symptoms of perimenopause include:

  • Difficulty concentrating ("brain fog")
  • Changes in sexual desire
  • Changes in mood
  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Headaches
  • Vaginal dryness

The doctor may also check patient hormone levels, but this is rarely necessary. Most doctors can tell whether the patient has perimenopause by evaluating symptoms.

 

HRT for Perimenopause Management

Hormone replacement therapy is important for perimenopause management. Hormone replacement therapy can take the form ofbioidentical hormones or synthetic hormones and may be administered in implants, tablets, a gel or spray to put on the skin, or skin patches. The purpose of HRT is to replace the levels of estrogen in the body to reduce the effects of perimenopause.

For patients who still have a uterus, it may also be necessary to take progesterone. Progesterone can be administered in the form of a patch or a tablet.

 

Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

There are many benefits of hormone replacement therapy. HRT can help relieve most symptoms including joint pain, mood swings, hot flashes, brain fog, and vaginal dryness.

Symptoms do not all change at the same time, so many patients will need to wait several weeks or even months to find out if HRT is working. Hot flashes may improve quickly, while other symptoms can take much longer to improve.

HRT can also reduce the patient's risk of hormone-related health problems. Some of these health problems include heart disease and osteoporosis.

 

Types of HRT for Perimenopause and Administration Methods

Hormone replacement therapy can take different forms. There are two main types of HRT, including systemic hormone therapy and low-dose vaginal products. These different types are used for patients with different needs.

Low-dose Vaginal Products

Low-dose vaginal products offer low doses of estrogen for treating vaginal and urinary symptoms of menopause. These low-dose vaginal products can come in the form of a ring, tablet, or cream.

Systemic Hormone Therapy

Systemic hormone therapy contains a higher dose of estrogen, and can therefore be used to treat any of the symptoms of menopause. Systemic hormone therapy comes in the form of a ring, gel, skin patch, pill, cream, or spray.

For women who still have a uterus, progesterone or a progesterone-like medication called progestin will also be necessary. Taking estrogen alone when you have a uterus can stimulate the growth of the lining of the uterus and increase the risk of endometrial cancer. For women who have had a hysterectomy, progesterone may not be necessary.

Process for Getting HRT for Perimenopause

The process for getting HRT for perimenopause starts with a visit to the doctor. The doctor may ask questions about menstrual history, signs and symptoms, a record of menstrual cycles, and key personal information. Patients who come prepared for this meeting may have an easier time starting the HRT process.

Once the doctor has determined that the patient is experiencing perimenopause, they may discuss the risks and benefits of HRT. If the patient would like to move forward, then the doctor may prescribe HRT to manage the patient's symptoms. Some patients need to experiment with dosages, which means that the HRT process can be drawn out.

 

Hormone Pellet Procedures: A Specialized HRT Method

Slow-releasefemale hormone pellets can be inserted into the body using a trocar. Using the trocar means making a small incision (5 mm or less) to insert thepellet. The small size of the incision is important because it reduces trauma to the skin. This means there's no need to install stitches, and the risk of a hernia becomes even smaller.

 

Risks and Considerations of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

The risks associated with hormone replacement therapy are relatively low. HRT can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, stroke, and blood clots. While HRT is not completely risk-free, many women must weigh the potential risks against the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Risks associated with HRT are lower in younger women.

Women who have had their uterus removed have a more favorable benefit-risk profile than those taking progesterone. Women who are considering HRT should speak with their general practitioner to determine whether HRT is right for them.

 

Supporting Medical Professionals with Quality Tools

It takes high-quality medical tools to ensure success for processes like the placement of extended relief hormones. Knowing which trocars to buy and purchasing quality trocars can make all the difference. This is why many medical professionals turn to Trocar Supplies.

The professionals at Trocar Supplies can tell youanswer your questions about Trocars to help you make an informed purchase decision. In addition to trocars, we also sell a range of other products that can assist with the implantation process.

Trocar Supplies sellsmetal or plastic sterilization trays,disposable trocar tray kits,disposable individual trocars, andcustom kits for medical professionals. We're your source for quality tools for HRT pellet placement. To get started with a trocar purchase,contact us today.