Benefits of HRT

Hormone Replacement Therapy has many benefits. It reduces the symptoms associated with menopause. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases in women. Know about other benefits of HRT.Hormone replacement therapy is also identified as menopausal hormone therapy or hormone therapy. It is basically carried out to provide relief to women from the discomforts that are experienced due to menopause. As women approach the menopausal age, the hormonal levels in them start fluctuating causing discomforting symptoms in them. These changes can affect the physical as well as emotional health of women. HRT can prove very beneficial in dealing with such problems. Let us take a look at the benefits of HRT for women. In this articleReduces Psychomotor SymptomsLowers Risk of Cardiovascular DiseasesPositively Affects Diabetic WomenPrevents OsteoporosisImproves Sexual LifeProvides Good Night’s SleepReduces General SymptomsImproves Quality of LifeReduces Psychomotor SymptomsHRT is known to reduce anxiety, irritability, depression, lethargy, flushes and night sweats, headaches, forgetfulness, crying spells associated with the climacteric (menopause).Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular DiseasesHRT is known to reduce (LDL) Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol levels apparently by increasing LDL catabolism that in turn results from an increase in LDL receptor activity. With HRT, (HDL) levels raise particularly the HDL2 sub-fraction, thus, HRT has a vasoactive effect for cardio-protective action.Low dose HRT (estrogens) may also have beneficial effects on the coagulation system. In addition to its cardiovascular protective effect, HRT (Estradiol) also improves existing cardiovascular disease reducing the frequency of angina and migraine. One study suggests improved long-term survival in myocardial infarction.Positively Affects Diabetic WomenEstrogens affect glucose and insulin metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity and elimination. In women with diabetes estradiol - 17b (beta) has been shown to potentiate the vasodilatation. Hyper-insulinaemia or higher insulin levels may directly increase the risk of CHD by promoting atherogenesis and indirectly by influencing lipid metabolism. Elevated insulin concentrations are associated with increased triglycerides, increased HDL and HDL2 and increased LDL.Prevents OsteoporosisEstrogen Replacement Therapy has positive effects on Bone Mass Density (BMD) which can help to prevent osteoporosis. Two years of estrogen replacement therapy increases spine BMD by 5-10%. Estrogen Replacement Therapy has positive effects on the genital tract atrophy.Improves Sexual LifeHRT provides relief from the symptoms like vaginal dryness and loss of libido. Vaginal dryness makes sexual intercourse difficult. As relief from vaginal dryness is experienced discomfort while having sex is reduced.Provides Good Night’s SleepWomen may experience disturbed sleep due to various menopausal symptoms caused due to fluctuations in hormonal levels. HRT helps to restore the balance between fluctuating hormones and provide relief from various menopausal symptoms, thereby helping women to get good night’s sleep.Reduces General SymptomsHRT provides relief from many general symptoms that are caused due to fluctuation in the hormonal levels. Such symptoms include symptoms like weight gain, hair fall, pain in breasts, brittleness in nails, leaking urine, itchy skin, irregular heartbeat, joint and muscle ache, blotting, digestive problems, body odour, gum problems etc.Improves Quality of LifeSince HRT provides relief from numerous symptoms of menopause including irritability, sleeplessness, mood swings and many other general symptoms the quality of life is improved.Hormone therapy is nothing but the replacement of the hormones, the production of which is reduced with the increasing age of women. This therapy mainly involves the replacement of estrogen hormone or combination of estrogen and progestogen as suggested by doctor. This kind of treatment is undergone by women who are in their 40s and 50s. But the appropriate age to undergo this therapy should be left to be decided by the doctor. Doctor can determine the right age to undergo this therapy depending on the physical condition of women.Women who are interested in undergoing hormone replacement therapy should consult their doctor. Depending on the age, the choices, the intensity and types of symptoms experienced by a woman, doctor may suggest appropriate way to administer hormone replacement therapy to her.