Pages

Saturday, 2 June 2012

Get To Know About Hormone Replacement Therapy

----------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------

By Jake Alexandre


A lot of panic was created by a study that gave the impression that replacement of estrogen and progesterone increased heart risks in women. However later studies have shown that this conclusion was incorrect. Latest research has shown that hormone replacement therapy among women who start it near menopause outweighs the risks. Women who start hormone replacement near the age of 60 or within ten years of menopause have a lower risk of heart diseases occurring.

Hormonal imbalances occur when the hormone required for the body to function properly decrease, or the gland that produces them is removed or stops producing the hormone. If hormonal imbalance is left untreated, it can result in serious medical conditions. In hormonal imbalance the symptoms experienced are similar in males and female. However, some are more specific to each gender. Some most commonly shared symptoms are skin problems, fatigue, acne, mood swings, weight problems, loss or memory, and diminished sex drive. Some disorders can be chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, fibromyalgia, anxiety attacks, urinary tract infections, dryness of mouth, eyes and genitalia, abnormal heart beat are the main problem caused by menopause in aged women.

Restoring the balance of hormone is possible with the help of adequate nutritional support, hormone replacement, exercise, herbs and vitamins with mineral supplements. Hormone replacement refers to any form of hormone therapy where the patient, in course of medical treatment receives hormones either to supplement lack of naturally producing hormones or to substitute other hormones with naturally occurring hormones.

There however, are studies underway analyzing the correlation between estrogen and heart diseases? An analysis by the WHI gives proof that women taking HRT in their 50s have healthier arteries, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.

According to the International Menopause Society, 'Hormone replacement therapy has now been shown to be safe for women in their 50s, safe for women in their 60s to continue if they have been taking it since their 50s, but it is not safe to initiate hormone replacement therapy in women in their 60s.'

Women with breast cancer, heart disease or history of blood clots should not take hormone replacement to relieve menopause symptoms. Also women who can cope with the symptoms of menopause should not opt for it.

Women who want to get hormone replacement must first talk to their doctor about it. This is very important as one cure does not fit all. It's the doctor who will decide how to administer the hormone replacement. Secondly the period for which hormone replacement is taken is very important. It must be taken in the smallest dosages and for the shortest period of time. Extending the time of the therapy or trying it on your own can be very risky and you could place yourself in grave danger.

The decision to use HRT should be based on one's individual health and needs, following a proper medical evaluation in light of one's medical history. HRT, for example, should not be used to battle osteoporosis, if there is the option of alternative therapies. Estrogen should also not be used for the prevention of coronary heart disease, for even short-term use is associated with side effects and increased health risks. One's lifestyle and diet is the largest contributing factor to one's health and fitness, not drugs bought over pharmacy counter.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment