27th July 2024
Health

Benefits of Using HRT for Women

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a widely used method to combat the adverse symptoms of the menopause and many believe it to be the most effective.

Statistically, women in the UK start the menopause at the age of 51. However, while some go through it relatively easily, many others experience negative side effects that can significantly impede on their emotional and physical health.

Despite the research into HRT, many of us remain unaware of its true benefits. So, let’s look at them here.

HRT and menopausal women 

HRT is a treatment that first came about in the 1940s and took off in the 1960s. Ever since, many medical experts have advocated HRT as an effective way to boost the body’s natural hormone levels and rectify hormonal imbalances — particularly in menopausal women when levels of oestrogen production drop.

Typically, most women will experience at least some of the menopausal symptoms listed below:

  • Depression and mood swings.
  • Hot sweats.
  • Insomnia or general sleeping problems.
  • Hair thinning.
  • Reduced bone density.
  • Loss of bladder control.
  • Low libido.
  • Palpitations.

Unfortunately, it is these symptoms that can cause physical and emotional issues that HRT is designed to help alleviate.

Types of HRT

There are many forms of HRT available, which is how it benefits patients all over the UK and world. These include: oestrogen-only therapy and progesterone therapy, which can be given in various forms such as a pill or patch, cream, or gel.

There are also many professional services that provide alternative types of HRT and ways to receive it after you discuss your options with a healthcare professional, such as TRT for women by Balance My Hormones.

Major HRT benefits 

According to the NHS, menopausal symptoms often begin a few months or years before periods stop and can last for around four years afterwards. In fact, 10% of women experience symptoms for up to 12 years.

When you consider that many women still have careers and families to care for at the average age of the menopause, it’s clear that combating its symptoms will be beneficial. This is where HRT comes in.

One major benefit of HRT is the boost in bone density, which helps to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. HRT enhances oestrogen levels, which strengthens bones and reduces the risk of fracturing — essential for maintaining a woman’s health and fitness levels.

HRT also benefits women by potentially enhancing her level of rest and subsequently emotional wellbeing. For example, the menopause can cause poor sleeping patterns, hot flushes and mood swings. All of which can negatively affect her day-to-day life. By taking HRT, quality of sleep should improve, hot flushes should be less frequent and, severe mood swings should lessen. Essentially, this should enhance a woman’s quality of life. How about the fact that the menopause can cause hair thinning and weak bladders? This might be a great source of anxiety to a woman but using HRT may quell these symptoms, too.

Lastly, it’s well documented that HRT can help boost a woman’s sex drive, which can reduce during the menopause. As this part of a relationship is important to many women, helping to boost libidos may assist in improving her relationship with her partner and ultimately her level of happiness.

There are many benefits to taking a form of HRT and it’s something worth considering if you’re approaching this stage of life or even enduring the symptoms already.