HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY: FOLLOW UP ON HRT
Posted on March 23, 2009, under Women's Health.
The most widely discussed and promoted treatment these days is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The basis for its use is that it replaces a woman’s naturally circulating oestrogen (and in some cases also testosterone), which have dropped in concentration, leading to many of the symptoms a woman may be experiencing. Oestrogen is the only medicine or supplement which has been shown to affect the long-term risks of osteoporosis and heart disease. The dose and method of delivery can be individualised to meet a woman’s needs.
The decision about how long to continue treatment is up to the woman. It may depend on the severity and the duration of the symptoms. The symptoms may recur when the treatment is stopped, or they may be less severe and more manageable.
The longer term advantages of HRT on the bones and the blood vessels may be a reason for a woman continuing with treatment indefinitely. As most women who use HRT do so for relief of symptoms, and for less than five years, information and experience with very long-term use is more limited.
Once a woman is taking HRT it is important that she continue follow up with her doctor on a regular basis for routine check-ups (and women who are not on HRT should do the same!).
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