WHAT IS HRT?

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Hormone replacement therapy are medications used to replace female hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) that are depleted in the body and are no longer produced by the body during menopause. [2; 3]

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HRT should generally be started two to three years of menopause. HRT can be in the form of cream or gels, vaginal rings, tablets or skin patches. [1]

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INDICATIONS FOR HRT [1]

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• Treatment of menopause symptoms.

• To prevent osteoporosis in older women (>55 years) and bone loss in women with premature menopause (<40 years).

• Symptoms which indicate urogenital atrophy.

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CONTRAINDICATIONS [1]

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• History of thromboembolism.

• Thrombophilia.

• History of chronic heart disease or stroke.

• Current or history of breast, endometrial or other oestrogen dependent cancers.

• Liver disease.

• Undiagnosed persistent urinary tract bleeding.

• Hypertension that is untreated.

• Porphyria.

• Severe migraines.

 

COMPLICATIONS [3]

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• Heart disease.

• Stroke.

• Blood clots.

• Breast cancer.

 

SIDE EFFECTS OF HRT [3]

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• Breast tenderness.

• Breakthrough bleeding.

• Bloating.

• Nausea.

 

LIFESTYLE CHANGES WHEN ON HRT [2]

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• Sensation of smoking.

• Healthy lifestyle which should include eating a balanced diet, eating healthy, managing stress and any other chronic conditions you may have such as cholesterol.

• Limit the alcohol that you consume.

• Wearing loose clothing.

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REFERENCES

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1. Johannesburg Hospitals, University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Gynaecology. 2017. Wits Gynaecology. South Africa: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

2. Brazier, Y. [Internet]. What you need to know about HRT. United Kingdom: Healthline Media; [updated 2017 May 25; cited 2019 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181726.php.

3. Mayo Clinic Staff [Internet]. Hormone therapy: Is it right for you?. America: Mayo Clinic; [updated 2018 May 24; cited 2019 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/in-depth/hormone-therapy/art-20046372.

4. Renew Health and Wellness [Internet]. Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy or BHRT. United States: Renew Health and Wellness; [cited 2019 Sep 11]. Available from: https://www.renewmetoday.com/bio-identical-hormone-replacement-bhrt/.

5. Woller, S. [Internet]. HRT Drug Boost: Women on hormone replacement therapy are living longer as menopause treatment cuts death risk by 30 %. United Kingdom: The Sun; [updated 2018 May 25; cited 2019 Sep 11]. Available from: https://www.thesun.co.uk/uncategorized/3045401/women-on-hormone-replacement-therapy-are-living-longer-as-menopause-treatment-cuts-death-risk-by-30/.