Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is done when there is a lack of naturally produced hormones in the body. Due to this, the body has to face many types of problems. For example, the stage of menopause in women is one such condition when the main hormones of women are deficient.
It is defined as when there have been no menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months, and no other biological cause can be identified.
It is described as a physiological cessation of menses and the end of fertility.
Perimenopause is when there is a decline in ovarian function, and the woman experiences estrogen deficiency symptoms and possibly; irregular cycle.
Table of Contents
Causes of hormonal replacement therapy
- Cessation of ovarian function
- Age
- Surgical intervention
- Chemotherapeutic agents
Symptoms of hormonal replacement therapy
Genitalia
- Atrophy of vulva, vagina, urethra results in dryness
- Loss of labia minora
- Thinning of pubic hair
- Decreased secretion during intercourse
- Bleeding and Itching
- Burning and Dysuria
Sexual function
- Vaginal dryness
- Dyspareunia
- Discomfort
- Decreased intensity and duration of sexual response
Psychological
- Insomnia, Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety, Fear
- Memory loss
Vasomotor
- Hot flashes
- Anxious feeling
- Sweating
- Night sweats
Diagnostic Evalution
- History collection
- Physical examination
- Based on the symptoms
- Lab investigations
- FSH more significant than 30-40 U/L indicated menopause; greater than 100 IU/L indicates complete ovarian failure
Management
Menopausal hormone therapy / Estrogen replacement therapy
- Indicated at the smallest possible dose for the shortest period by the oral and transdermal route to reduce vasomotor symptoms.
Progesterone co-therapy preparation
- In cyclical dosage pattern if the uterus is intact to prevent endometrial hyperplasia and possible cancer.
- No longer recommended because of association with adverse breast outcomes.
- Vaginal preparation is most useful for atrophic vaginitis.
Menopausal Hormonal Therapy is Contraindicated with the following Conditions
- Increased risk of thromboembolic disease, previous or current idiopathic deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
- Past, current, or suspected breast cancer.
- Estrogen sensitive cancer ( uterine, ovarian), untreated endometrial hyperplasia, undiagnosed genital bleeding.
- Active or recent angina or myocardial infection.
- Untreated hypertension.
- Active liver disease.
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance in menopausal hormonal therapy.
- porphyria cutanea ( absolute contraindication )
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Other measures:
Complication
- Osteoporosis
- Coronary artery disease
- Vaginal atrophy
- Psychosocial issues of menopause: risk of depression increase
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