Who Shouldn’t Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy?

As wonderful as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is for some people, it’s not the right solution for everyone. Additionally, hormone replacement therapy can cause some side effects, but this is to be expected with any type of medication. Before you start HRT, you certainly need to weigh the risks and benefits with your health professional to make the right decision for you.

Who Shouldn’t Consider HRT?

Hormone replacement therapy can be beneficial during perimenopause, and postmenopause. What most people refer to as menopause is actually perimenopause. This is when most women will experience a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood changes, and difficulty sleeping. Once this time has ended, the woman is considered postmenopausal. For most medical purposes, a woman is considered postmenopausal if she hasn’t had a period for more than a year.

But even though HRT is very helpful at relieving the symptoms of menopause, you may not be able to try it for yourself if any of the following apply to you:

• You have active or past breast cancer.
• You have been diagnosed with recurrent or active endometrial cancer.
• You are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been evaluated.
• You have recurrent or active blood clots.
• You have a history of stroke.
• You suffer from liver disease.
• You are or might be pregnant.

Not all of these signs automatically preclude you from receiving HRT, but you should be further evaluated before proceeding, just to be on the safe side.

Is HRT Right for You?

Whether or not hormone replacement therapy is the right choice for you is something you need to discuss with our health professionals at the Revive Health Center. We strive to find the best solution for you. What this solution entails depends on your symptoms, the severity of your symptoms, your health history, and your current health. We take all of these factors into consideration before we suggest appropriate treatment options for you.

Some women can go through menopause without experiencing any severe symptoms. Others become very miserable as a result of their hormone imbalance. And even though menopause is temporary, you don’t have to suffer from its symptoms. And before you reject the possibility of treatment, you should certainly think about the fact that menopause can last for several years.

In addition to hormone replacement therapy, you may also want to consider making a few lifestyle changes. At the Revive Health Center, we are committed to get you back on track and feeling better permanently. Let us help you regain your health!