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HRT & Early Menopause

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of several options that menopausal women have to combat the symptoms of menopause. Women in early menopause (premature menopause) can also benefit from using this form of hormone replacement. Before taking HRT or any other form of hormonal treatment, discuss all health risks with your physician.
    • Many menopausal women use HRT to reduce the occurrence of problematic symptoms.

    Premature Menopause

    • Natural menopause begins between ages 45 and 55 after a transition period known as perimenopause. This transition period lasts two to eight years. When estrogen, the hormone responsible for menstruation, decreases, menopause begins and the menstrual cycle ends. Premature menopause begins before the age of 40. Some women begin premature menopause due to a hysterectomy, where both ovaries are removed. Another cause of premature menopause may stem from a family history of premature menopause, either having a mother or sister with the condition.

    What is HRT?

    • HRT is a product given to menopausal women to replace or balance declined hormone levels. It can contain just estrogen or both estrogen and progesterone. HRT is not given to restart menstruation, but rather to decrease the symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances. HRT can be administered as a cream or patch, or taken orally.

    Uses for HRT in Early Menopause

    • Women who have gone through menopause prematurely have not had the chance for their bodies to adapt to changes in hormone levels. The change is usually abrupt, causing a sudden drop in estrogen instead of a gradual decline. This causes the symptoms of menopause to be more pronounced. HRT is used in premature menopause the same way that it is used in natural menopause: to treat symptoms such as vaginal dryness, night sweats and hot flashes.

    Side Effects of HRT

    • HRT side effects are not common. Within the first few weeks of beginning HRT, you may experience slight nausea, breast tenderness and leg cramps. In addition, HRT given as a patch may cause slight skin irritation. Some women may also have frequent headaches or migraines, and dry eyes. The latter is thought to be more common in women who take HRT, according to patient.co.uk.

    Effects of Long-Term Use

    • Taking either the combined HRT or the estrogen-only version may reduce your risks of developing osteoporosis, which is a risk in all menopausal women. This risk is even higher in women who have premature menopause.

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