2024-08-05 14:15:24
Hormone replacement therapy is given to maintain the balance of hormones in the body. Some women need HRT after menopause. But only experts can decide when, to whom and in what quantity HRT should be given. Taking HRT only in the name of quality life can be harmful for health.
The effect of HRT is different on every woman’s body, so the same treatment cannot be given to every woman. Dr. Sarita Naik, Gynecologist at Mumbai’s Hinduja and Wockhardt Hospital, explains the rules and precautions of taking HRT.
Women’s body changes after 40
Many changes come in the life of women after the age of 40. The level of estrogen and progesterone in the body starts decreasing. Due to this, women start facing many health problems like weight gain, memory loss, vaginal dryness, vaginal infection, lack of desire to have physical relations, hair fall, insomnia, hot flashes, mood swings, unwanted hair growth.
When the situation gets out of control, doctors recommend hormone replacement therapy. When the body stops producing natural hormones, the deficiency is compensated through HRT. HRT has both advantages and disadvantages.
Why HRT to make husband happy?
Some women want to take HRT only so that they can fulfill their husband’s demand for physical relation at all costs. They find it more important to please their husband by ignoring their body’s problems. In such a situation, it is necessary to first get tested and find out whether you really need HRT. You cannot take hormone replacement therapy on your own will or on your own terms.
Women who are at risk of breast cancer, stroke or cardiovascular disease cannot be given HRT. HRT should be given only under proper guidance so that the woman can get its full benefit.
If a woman’s life is being affected badly without physical relationship, then there is no harm in giving her HRT. But while doing so, it is important to keep in mind how much amount of HRT should be given to her.
Benefits of HRT for women
After menopause, the problems of many women become unbearable. In such a situation, their problems can be reduced by giving hormone replacement therapy. HRT has many benefits. The hormones given in it help in facing the phase of menopause easily. This gives relief to the woman from problems like mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia, inability to live a normal life.
Hormone replacement therapy should be given under proper guidance, otherwise it can cause harm instead of benefit. It depends on the medical profile of the woman whether she needs HRT or this therapy can be risky for her. It is decided only after all the tests like bone density, mammogram, pap smear, cholesterol, sugar etc. whether the woman should be given hormone replacement therapy or not.
Harmful effects of HRT on women
It is not necessary that every woman gets benefits from HRT. It can have many disadvantages as well. Some women may face problems like acne, change in voice, unwanted facial hair, breast cancer, and heart disease.
HRT is given for benefits, but its benefits can be availed only if it does not have any adverse effect on the woman. Women who have a history of breast cancer cannot be given HRT. Women who have a problem of stroke i.e. cardiovascular disease cannot be given HRT. HRT cannot be given to a woman who has a problem of varicose veins.
Ways to avoid hormone replacement therapy
By changing diet and lifestyle, the problems of menopause can be reduced to a great extent. This will also prevent you from needing HRT.
By taking a healthy diet, doing yoga and exercising regularly, staying away from cigarettes and alcohol, keeping yourself active and busy, you can avoid the problems of menopause and taking HRT.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.