Does HRT work for everyone?

Does HRT work for everyone?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone to supplement declining levels during perimenopause, menopause, or andropause. HRT can provide relief from symptoms and has other health benefits for many people, but results vary on an individual basis.

Effectiveness of HRT

• For most women transitioning into menopause, HRT effectively:
  
  
  • Reduces hot flashes and night sweats
  
  
  • Lessens vaginal dryness
  
  
  • Helps mood, sleep, and focus
  
  
  • Maintains bone health
  
  
  • Improves skin elasticity
  
  


• In men with low testosterone, testosterone therapy boosts:
  
  
  • Energy levels
  
  
  • Muscle mass and strength
  
  
  • Mood and cognitive function
  
  
  • Libido and sexual function
  
  

However, HRT does not help every person equally. Response depends on:

• Age and stage - HRT works better the sooner it is started in menopause or low testosterone.


• Dosage - It may take testing different doses to find what works optimally.


• Duration - Long term use is more beneficial than short courses.


• Choice of estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone product.


• Use of different delivery methods like pills, patches, gels, implants, shots, creams or sprays.


• An individual's risks, health status, genetics, and other medications.

Risks and side effects

While HRT alleviates troublesome symptoms in most people, it does pose some health risks:

• Blood clots, strokes, heart attacks


• Gallstones


• Breast cancer


• Dementia

And potential side effects like:

• Swelling and breast tenderness


• Weight gain


• Headaches


• Nausea


• Irregular bleeding

Who should not use HRT?

Those with a history of:

• Breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer


• Blood clots


• Heart conditions


• Liver disease


• Other hormone-sensitive conditions

HRT also interacts with some other medications.

Complementary treatments

For those unable or unwilling to take HRT, some non-hormonal options may help manage symptoms:

• Certain SSRIs/SNRI antidepressants


• Clonidine


• Gabapentin


• Dietary estrogenic foods and supplements

Lifestyle measures like regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding triggers also go a long way. For some, combining HRT with complementary therapies offers the greatest relief.

In summary, HRT offers very effective relief when used appropriately and responsibly. But it does not benefit every person equally due to differences in health status, genetics, and other factors. Working closely with a knowledgeable Renewal Hormone Clinic doctor maximizes the chances of good response and positive outcomes.