Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT stands for Hormone Replacement Therapy. It's a medical treatment that replaces hormones in the body which have decreased naturally or due to a medical condition. This therapy can be used to treat symptoms of the menopause, sexual dysfunction, and other hormone imbalances. HRT usually involves the use of oestrogen, progesterone, and other hormones taken in pill, skin patch, or gel form.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Treatments
How do HRT treatments work?
HRT works by introducing hormones into the body that are similar to the hormones that are lacking. The hormones used in HRT are usually oestrogen and progesterone, which are the two primary hormones produced in the ovaries.
When a woman enters the menopause, the ovaries produce less oestrogen and progesterone, leading to a decline in the body’s hormone levels. This hormonal decline can cause symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis.
HRT aims to alleviate these symptoms by replenishing the body with the hormones it's lacking. This helps to restore the hormonal balance in the body, which in turn can reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms and protect against certain long-term health problems.
