There are approximately 400,000 women in Ireland and 13 million women in the U.K. transitioning through menopause today and the truth is that no two women will experience the same symptoms or journey. You are unique, equip yourself with information and choose how you want to manage your menopause. Thankfully today no woman needs to suffer in silence, menopause no longer needs to be endured and put up with. Managing symptoms be it naturally or hormonally is lifechanging.
This is just an overview of hormonal options contact your G.P. or health care provider to discuss these options. As with all medications ensure you are monitored while taking these hormones.
The 3 hormones most associated with menopause are Oestrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone but our bodies have 40 plus other hormones. Cortisol (stress hormone), Melatonin (sleep hormone), and thyroxine (thyroid hormone) may also become unbalanced during our menopause years.
Estrogen
Available in tablet, patch, gel and now as a spray called Lenzetto.
The estrogen patch, gel and spray are absorbed directly through the skin into the bloodstream, thus bypassing the liver and causing less side effects. If you suffer from migraines the tablet form should not be taken.
Progesterone often referred to as the relaxing hormone.
Available as a Mirena coil, or tablet form.
If you have your womb (Uterus) and decide to take estrogen you will also have to take a type of progesterone to protect the lining of the womb. Taking estrogen alone can increase the thickness of the lining of your womb and increase the risk of cells becoming cancerous. Progesterone ensures there is a balance reducing the thickening effect. If you no longer have a womb or ovaries estrogen only HRT is prescribed.
Tablet form is a micronized progesterone or utrogestan.
The coil is the Mirena coil replaced every 5 years.
Combined patches containing both estrogen and progesterone are also available.
Testosterone
Constant fatigue and lack of libido are some of the symptoms that may require testosterone replacement along with estrogen and progesterone.
A testosterone blood test should be undertaken before testosterone replacement is started as it is useful to know what the baseline levels are in the body before starting treatment.
Available in gel or cream format.
HRT is also associated with reducing osteoporosis and cardiac disease.
Most health benefits from taking HRT are in women who start HRT within 10 years of their menopause.
Again it is important to discuss all of the above options with your health care provider. If you find one type of HRT does not suit, discuss a different option, remember you are unique what works for your sister, or friend may not work for you. It can often take up to 12 weeks for our bodies to adjust. The benefits of HRT have to be balanced against the risks. You decide what is right for you.
Two great websites to check out
Dr Louise Newson and team at
www.mymenopausedoctor.co.uk
www.megsmenopause.co.uk
