Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained

How Is It Administered?

Women who take hormone replacement therapy have several options. In most cases, a doctor will try to control menopausal symptoms with the lowest dose possible. This may take some adjusting to get right. Women can apply hormone replacement therapy in the form of a cream or gel on the skin or in the vagina if there is dryness. Hormone replacement therapy may also be taken in tablet form or via a skin patch. Women are carefully weaned off hormone replacement therapy to reduce unwanted side effects.

Healthy Things Women Can Do

Recent evidence shows that even a few years of hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of two types of ovarian cancer. It may also cause cognitive impairments. To stay healthy, women are advised to exercise regularly, refrain from smoking, consume less caffeine and alcohol, wear loose clothing, and sleep in a cool room that is well ventilated. Some anti-depressants and blood pressure medications may also help with hot flashes. Natural remedies for treating menopausal symptoms include red clover, soybeans, Kava Kava root, ginseng, and black cohosh.