MENOPAUSE EXPERTS DUBAI | MENOPAUSE DUBAI

HRT is the most common form of prescribed treatment for menopausal symptoms. It helps to replace the hormone estrogen in your body, which decreases around your menopause. You may sometimes also need other hormones (such as progestogen and testosterone) that your body is no longer producing. If you are interested in taking HRT, your healthcare professional should discuss the benefits and risks with you before you start the treatment. This discussion should cover both the short-term (over the next 5 years) and the longer term (beyond the next 5 years) benefits and risks for you. You should also be informed about available alternatives to HRT along with

The type of HRT that you are prescribed depends on your individual situation. If you have a uterus (womb) then a combination of estrogen and progestogen HRT (combined HRT) would be recommended. Estrogen alone can cause abnormal thickening of the lining of your uterus, which can lead to bleeding. Adding progestogen will prevent this.

Progestogen may be given in the form of tablets, patches or a hormone containing coil.

If combined HRT is started before you have the menopause or within 12 months of your last period then you will be offered a ‘cyclical’ combined HRT, which should give you regular monthly withdrawal bleeds.

If you start combined HRT more than 12 months after your last period, you may be offered ‘continuous’ combined HRT (bleed free HRT). You may experience some vaginal bleeding in the first 3 months, but after this it should stop.

If you have had a hysterectomy, then you will be offered estrogen only HRT.

Women who notice a low sex drive after the menopause may be offered another hormone called testosterone. This is a hormone linked to sex drive in both men and women.

The effects of HRT have been studied worldwide and research shows that, for most women, HRT works and is safe.

It is an effective treatment for hot flushes and low mood associated with the menopause.

It can improve sexual desire and reduce vaginal dryness.

It helps keep your bones strong

HRT with estrogen alone (used for women who have no uterus) is associated with little or no increased risk of breast cancer.

HRT with estrogen and progestogen can increase your risk of breast cancer. This risk is higher the longer you stay on it and reduces when you stop HRT.

Your individual risk of developing breast cancer depends on underlying risk factors, such as your body weight and your drinking and smoking habits.

HRT taken as a tablet increases your risk of developing a blood clot, which is not the case if HRT is taken as a patch or gel.

HRT in tablet form slightly increases your risk of stroke, although the overall risk of stroke is very low if you are under the age of 60 years. Your healthcare professional should discuss your individual risks based

If your periods become infrequent or stop before the age of 40 years and/or you experience menopausal symptoms, you should see your healthcare professional. You will be offered blood tests to measure your hormone levels to help diagnose premature menopause. The diagnosis is made after two blood tests are performed 4–6 weeks apart.

You are likely to notice the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes and mood changes. There is also an increased risk of developing osteoporosis and cardiac disease in later life. Osteoporosis can lead to broken bones if not treated. Premature menopause will affect your fertility, and your chance of getting

Treatment for premature menopause involves the replacement of hormones in the form of either HRT or the combined oral contraceptive pill. Both are effective in treating hot flushes and keeping your bones strong. While the combined oral contraceptive pill has the advantage of also providing contraception, HRT is a safer option if you have high blood pressure. It is important for you to continue the treatment at least until the average age of natural menopause. By taking HRT, you are simply replacing the hormones your body is lacking, and so there are no added risks. If you are thinking about getting pregnant, you will need a referral to a fertility specialist. Your healthcare professional may also suggest referral to a menopause specialist.