3 helpful insights to know about HRT medication
If you are experiencing post-menopausal symptoms or your doctor has discussed Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with you, you may be searching for more information about HRT medication. At Chemist2U, we have gathered insights that can help guide your understanding. Here are three things to consider as you explore the potential of HRT therapy for menopause:
In this article
What is HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)?
HRT is a treatment designed to alleviate the symptoms experienced by women during menopause.1 This phase in a woman’s life may begin around the age of 51 and is characterised by the cessation of menstrual periods.2 As the body undergoes this natural transition, the production of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone by the ovaries diminishes, leading to various menopausal symptoms.3
A doctor may suggest certain types of HRT medication to a patient to compensate for this hormonal reduction by supplementing the body with oestrogen. In cases where the woman still has her uterus, a progestogen is added to safeguard the endometrial lining. This therapeutic approach is designed to mirror the body’s natural hormone levels, potentially easing the transition through menopause.4
What are the benefits of HRT?
Both short-term relief and long-term health improvements may be experienced by post-menopausal women from HRT medication.
To answer ‘What is HRT medication used for?’ it has the potential to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. These vasomotor symptoms significantly affect approximately 80% of transitioning women, with about a fifth experiencing severe manifestations.5
Beyond symptomatic relief, some doctors who give an HRT medication prescription to their patients associate HRT medication brands with several long-term health benefits when initiated in healthy women within five years of menopause, including reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality and reduced risk of colon cancer. Some studies suggest it may help reduce the incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures, a common issue due to decreased bone density in older women.6
Who should get HRT?
Just like how it’s important to consult a doctor before taking medications like amlodipine, HRT medication is not for everyone. Doctors may prescribe a certain HRT medication dosage to some women who experience moderate to severe menopausal symptoms that adversely impact their quality of life.
The decision to start HRT is usually made based on individual symptoms and health profiles, ideally under the guidance of a doctor. If you were prescribed a birth control pill like Zoely in your younger years, then you already know how important a doctor’s guidance is when it comes to women’s health. So before you try to order HRT medication online, consult your doctor first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is HRT medication used for?
Doctors might talk to patients about affordable hrt medication options to help them alleviate the symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood fluctuations, sleep disturbances and vaginal dryness. Additionally, some doctors may consider these medications for post-menopausal women who also have osteoporosis, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.7
What are the different types of HRT medications?
Just as there are different forms of mental health medication, HRT medications come in various forms, tailored to meet individual needs based on medical history and specific symptoms.
Some of the common types include combined oestrogen and progesterone therapy, which doctors may consider for women who have not had a hysterectomy. This combination may help mitigate the risk of endometrial cancer linked to oestrogen-only therapy.8
For women who have undergone a hysterectomy, oestrogen-only therapy is generally prescribed. Other types include tibolone, a synthetic steroid that mimics the effects of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone and is known for its efficacy in preventing bone loss and improving sexual function.9
Are there potential HRT side effects?
When talking about any type of medication to your doctor, be it HRT, asthma medication or something else, know that side effects may be possible.
Common side effects that some women have experienced with HRT include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, fluid retention, bloating and irregular bleeding, which typically subside after the initial months of treatment.10
It’s also crucial to note that, similar to broad spectrum antibiotics, HRT may not be suitable for everyone. Women with a history of certain cancers, unexplained vaginal bleeding, severe blood clots, active or recent heart disease, liver disease or untreated high blood pressure may be advised by their doctor to avoid these medications.11
Chemist2U helps make medication management stress-free
At Chemist2U, we make the process of managing your medications easier. Simply download our app or use this website to get started filling out your prescriptions online. Then follow the steps below:
- Submit your prescriptions online. Uploading your escript is a total breeze.
- Add over-the-counter medication or general pharmacy products. Just as if you were in a physical pharmacy, you can select from a range of over-the-counter medicines and general pharmacy products.
Each order is meticulously prepared by a qualified pharmacist from your local community before being delivered by a dedicated courier.
Same-day delivery is available. Just place your order before the cutoff time (typically 2:00 p.m., but may vary in some locations), and you will receive your medications and goods the same day. Note: A minority of products (inc. Ozempic and Mounjaro) are delivered via AusPost. Allow 1 to 3 business days in capital cities and major regional centres.
Chemist2U can also send you handy reminders when it’s time to reorder or seek a new script from your doctor, helping to ensure you always have your medication when you need it. This way, you won’t simply get stuck searching for a chemist Sydney-wide.
Trust Chemist2U to take the hassle out of your medication. Order home delivery at Chemist2U today.
References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493191/
2. https://www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e763.full
3. https://www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e763.full
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493191/
5. https://www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e763.full
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493191/
7. https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2009/190/6/benefits-oestrogen-following-menopause-why-hormone-replacement-therapy-should-be
8. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hormone-replacement-therapy#:~:text=HRT%2C%20also%20known%20as%20MHT,hot%20flushes%20and%20night%20sweats.
9. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hormone-replacement-therapy#:~:text=HRT%2C%20also%20known%20as%20MHT,hot%20flushes%20and%20night%20sweats.
10. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hormone-replacement-therapy#:~:text=HRT%2C%20also%20known%20as%20MHT,hot%20flushes%20and%20night%20sweats.
11. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hormone-replacement-therapy#:~:text=HRT%2C%20also%20known%20as%20MHT,hot%20flushes%20and%20night%20sweats
