HRT, otherwise known as hormone replacement therapy, is commonly used by women going through menopause to alleviate a number of its associated side effects. Here is everything you need to know about the long-term benefits of HRT.
Table of Contents
Relief from Hot Flashes
When thinking about menopause, the first thought that springs to mind for most women is the fear of the dreaded hot flashes, with up to 85% of women experiencing them at some point during the menopause. Hot flashes are caused by hormonal fluctuations and can make a woman’s body temperature rise suddenly without warning, which can be very distressing. HRT helps by replacing the estrogen that a woman’s body has stopped making, and in some cases, can actually get rid of hot flashes altogether.
Better Quality of Sleep
Hormone replacement therapy can also help to bring relief from night sweats too, which can aid in getting a better night’s sleep. HRT also replaces the hormone progesterone, which is important for good quality sleep. It can help women drift off faster and fall into a deeper, more restful sleep, known as REM, which is vital for enabling the body to rest and repair itself properly.
Boost Libido
HRT can reduce vaginal dryness and also help to boost libido too. This is thanks to the combination of progesterone and estrogen, which can aid in an increased sex drive for women going through the menopause. Typically, the menopause can be a time when a woman’s libido dips, but studies have shown that 44% of women who take HRT experience a significant boost to their libido. Falling hormone levels can also create vaginal dryness, which can make sex more painful. HRT is available in a number of variations, and if vaginal dryness is the main issue experienced, then specific Vaginal HRT may be the correct medication to provide relief from this uncomfortable symptom of menopause.
Prevent Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is sometimes known as the thinning bone disease, with women of menopausal age more at risk from the condition due to the loss of estrogen that combines with age-related loss of bone mass. Osteoporosis can be dangerous, as thinner bones can fracture more easily, even from very little trauma, and any breaks or fractures can take much longer to heal, leaving bones weaker and more vulnerable. HRT can help combat osteoporosis by replacing the lost estrogen in the body, which studies have shown can effectively reduce the risks associated with this condition.
Ward Off Dementia
Memory loss is a common side effect of the menopause. Luckily, HRT can not only improve memory function but can actively decrease the risk of women developing dementia in the future. Menopausal women are more at risk of developing dementia because as estrogen levels drop in the body, they also fall in the hippocampus, the part of the brain where memories are held. By replacing this lost estrogen, hormone replacement therapy can help ward off dementia for the future as well as improve cognitive function in the present.
Improved Sense of Well-being
Although the menopause is a natural stage of life, the adverse side effects that can often accompany this period in a woman’s life can feel stressful and overwhelming. HRT offers a simple and easy solution to help ease many of these uncomfortable symptoms, helping promote an improved sense of well-being and a better quality of life. HRT is a great confidence booster and allows women to move through the menopause with an enhanced sense of control and understanding.
