Sex in the City actress Kim Cattrall loves it, Emma Thompson wouldn't dream of a day without it, and Angelina Jolie is one of its biggest advocates. What are we talking about? It's Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), of course!
When it comes to the Menopause,
most women agree – it’s the hot flushes, night sweats and difficulty sleeping that are often the most tricky to deal with. These symptoms can be really debilitating, turning what should be restful nights into uncomfortable ordeals.
And if that wasn’t bad enough, there are the aches, mood swings, palpitations and reduced sex drive to contend with too. It’s unfair that all these ‘afflictions’ come at once, isn’t it? Many women find themselves overwhelmed by these sudden changes in their body and life.
Of course not every woman feels the symptoms to the same degree and the onset of menopause is different for each individual. Medical studies put the average age for menopause at 51 but it can start earlier or later for many women. Some women are lucky and glide through menopause with just the odd bad sleep or low mood. For those who are badly affected – and this is a big proportion – hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can seem like a lifeline to their former pre-menopausal selves.
Types of HRT and How It Works
There are two main types of HRT:
- Oestrogen with progesterone: The most common type, for women who still have their uterus. This combination balances hormones and protects the lining of the womb.
Both oestrogen and progesterone are hormones naturally produced by the body. The gradual loss of these hormones during menopause leads to symptoms experienced by many women. HRT works by replacing these hormones to alleviate symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings while supporting bone and cardiovascular health.
It’s worth noting that the decision to start HRT is a personal one and you should discuss the options with a healthcare professional who can advise based on your individual health history and needs.
Applications of HRT
- HRT can be administered in various forms, each with its own advantages:
- Tablets: Easy to take and widely available.
- Skin patches: Provide a steady release of hormones and bypass the liver.
- Gels or creams: Can be applied directly to the skin for absorption.
- Vaginal rings: Offer localised relief for vaginal symptoms.
Each has its benefits depending on individual preferences and medical needs. For example, some women prefer the convenience of a daily tablet, while others may opt for a patch for its steady hormone delivery.
HRT at Omniya's Menopause Clinic London
At Omniya Clinic in London, specialists offer Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). This personalised approach uses hormones identical to those naturally occurring in your body. The process includes:
- Initial Consultation: A full medical history review and symptom discussion. This is your chance to talk about how menopause is affecting your life and what you hope to achieve with treatment.
- Hormone Testing: Baseline hormone levels are taken to get a picture of your body’s current state.
- Customised Treatment Plan: A bespoke HRT formula is created based on test results and your individual needs.
- Regular Monitoring: Follow-ups to ensure optimal results and adjustments if needed. Your body may change over time so it’s important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider.
While symptom relief may take several months, many women find significant improvements in their quality of life. It's not uncommon to hear women say they feel like themselves again after starting HRT.
Benefits Backed by Research
Numerous studies highlight the effectiveness of HRT:
A study from the Journal of Women's Health found that around 75% of menopausal women experience hot flushes, with HRT being 85% effective in reducing these symptoms. This can mean the difference between sleepless nights and restful sleep for many women.
A 2017 US study reported that HRT could be up to 98% effective in alleviating hot flushes. Imagine going from multiple hot flushes a day to barely noticing them at all.
Research published in The Lancet has shown that oestrogen-only HRT can reduce breast cancer risk by 23% and breast cancer deaths by 40% over long-term follow-up. This finding has been particularly reassuring for women who were previously concerned about HRT and cancer risk.
Additional benefits include:
- Bone Health: HRT helps prevent osteoporosis by slowing bone thinning caused by oestrogen loss. This can significantly reduce the risk of fractures as you age.
- Cardiovascular Health: Studies indicate that initiating HRT near menopause can reduce cardiovascular disease risks. This is particularly important as heart disease risk increases after menopause.
- Improved Mood and Sleep: HRT alleviates anxiety, depression, and insomnia associated with menopause. Many women report feeling more like themselves and enjoying better quality sleep.
Addressing Concerns About Risks
HRT faced significant criticism following a 2002 study by the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), which linked combined oestrogen-progestogen therapy with increased breast cancer risk.
However, this study has since been deemed flawed due to its focus on older participants (average age 63) who were not representative of typical HRT users.
Updated research has clarified that:
Risks vary depending on age, type of therapy, and timing relative to menopause onset. The 'window of opportunity' for starting HRT is typically within 10 years of menopause onset or before age 60.
Starting HRT within ten years of menopause significantly reduces risks while offering maximum benefits. This timing is crucial for optimal results.
The NHS also emphasises that for most women under 60 without high-risk factors (e.g., breast cancer or blood clots), the benefits of HRT outweigh potential risks. It's important to have an open and honest discussion with your healthcare provider about your individual risk factors and benefits.
Beyond Symptom Relief
HRT offers more than just relief from menopausal symptoms:
- Vaginal Health: Reduces dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and urinary tract infections. Many women find this aspect of HRT particularly beneficial for maintaining intimacy and overall quality of life.
- Skin and Anti-Ageing: Improves skin elasticity, collagen production, and moisture retention. Some women notice improvements in skin texture and fewer wrinkles.
- Cognitive Function: Emerging evidence suggests potential protective effects against dementia when started early. While more research is needed, this is an exciting area of study.
A Look Back at HRT History
HRT first gained attention in the 1940s with the introduction of Premarin by Wyeth (now Pfizer). By 1992, it was America's best-selling drug. Despite setbacks following the WHI study in 2002, advancements in research have restored confidence in its safety and efficacy.
Today's formulations are more refined than earlier versions, offering safer options tailored to individual needs. Bioidentical hormones have further enhanced personalisation while minimising side effects. The field continues to evolve, with ongoing research aimed at improving treatments and understanding long-term effects.
Get in Touch!
If you're pre-menopausal or menopausal and struggling with symptoms mentioned here, Omniya Clinic can help you regain control over your health and well-being. We understand that every woman's experience with menopause is unique, and we're here to support you through this transition.
Call us at 020 7584 4777 or email hello@omniya.co.uk for an appointment. Our team of experts is ready to listen to your concerns and work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Don't let menopause symptoms control your life – take the first step towards feeling like yourself again.
Explore our tailored treatments today at www.omniya.co.uk. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to managing menopause, but with the right support and treatment, you can thrive during this new phase of life.
