ASK DR LUVUYO BAYENI | Hormone replacement therapy offers relief for menopause and beyond

Hormone replacement therapy ( HRT ) is mainly associated with the relief of disruptive menopause symptoms and the protection of bone health.

The treatment involves replenishing depleted or declining hormone levels in your body, such as oestrogen, progesterone, or testosterone.

In rare cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe HRT to help initiate puberty, treat infertility, and prevent osteoporosis — a disease that makes bones weak, thin, and brittle — in postmenopausal people.

Transgender and gender-diverse individuals may use gender-affirming HRT to align physical characteristics with their gender identity.

HRT releases hormones into the bloodstream, which travel to other organs and tissues. In people assigned female at birth, HRT can relieve menopause and perimenopause symptoms like vaginal dryness, night sweats, and hot flushes.

In assigned males at birth, HRT can help treat symptoms of hypogonadism like low sex drive, sexual dysfunction, and low muscle mass.

Literature and different organisations, such as the Menopause Society, concur on the benefits of HRT, especially with regard to menopause symptoms. However, there are other documented benefits for relief from menopause symptoms.

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

Prescription of HRT is guided by a thorough pre-treatment investigation that includes physical, mental and psychological screening. Some medical considerations include the following:

There is no arbitrary cutoff or rule forcing women to stop HRT after three to five years. Instead, starting systemic HRT before age 60 or within 10 years of your final menstrual period offers the best safety profile and protection for bones and the heart. Treatment duration and dosage should be customised based on medical history, symptom severity, and ongoing clinical reviews rather than arbitrary cutoff ages.

Ask a healthcare provider to review your health, symptoms, and risk factors every year to decide if you want to keep taking HRT.