What is HRTHormone Replacement Therapy is very effective in treating menopausal symptoms. The principal hormones used in HRT are estrogen and progesterone. This therapy reduces the risk of osteoporosis, heart attacks and strokes.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
All menopausal and post-menopausal women go through estrogen deficient years, which can manifest in both physical and emotional ways leading to impai
rment of the quality of life. As the female life expectancy has increased, it is possible for a woman to live one third of the life after menopause. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment for menopause given to women to correct the hormonal deficiency in peri- and post-menopausal state.
Which hormones are used in HRT
The principal hormones used in HRT are estrogen and progesterone. There are two types of estrogen available: synthetic and natural.
Synthetic estrogens: Synthetic estrogens give rise to substances in the plasma which have potent estrogenic activity but which are structurally dissimilar to the estrogens produced by the ovary. Examples include ethinyl estradiol, mextranol and stilboestrol. Synthetic estrogens, as prescribed in the oral contraceptive, exert a pharmacological effect.
Natural estrogens: Natural estrogens, on the other hand, give rise in plasma to estrogens which are identical to those produced by the pre-menopausal ovary e.g. estradiol, estrone and estriol. These get classified by route of administration i.e. oral or vaginal.What is the scientific basis of HRT
The problems associated with menopause are due to the deficiency of a female hormone called estrogen. These problems, therefore, can largely be prevented by estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). ERT reduces the incidence of osteoporosis, heart attacks, strokes and generally improves the well being and life span of women. For more than three decades estrogens have been prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms. Treatments like Estrogen Replacement Therapies (ERT) and Hormone Replacement Therapies (HRT) can reduce the gynecological and psychological changes associated with menopause while inhibiting bone resorption and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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.
Reduces psychomotor symptoms
HRT 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 diseases
HRT 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 rise particularly the HDL2 subfraction, thus, HRT has a vasoactive effect for cardioprotective 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 women
Estrogens affect glucose and insulin metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity and elimination. In women with diabetes estradiol - 17b (beta) has been shown to potentiate the vasodialation. 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 osteoporosis
Estrogen Replacement Therapy has positive effects on Bone Mass Density (BMD). Two years of estrogen replacement therapy increases spine BMD by 5-10%. Estrogen Replacement Therapy has positive effects on the genital tract atrophy.
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