Should You Get Hormone Therapy? What You Need to Know
Hormone therapy is a form of treatment that is being used to treat a number of conditions. Those familiar with hormone therapy will know it for its use in the treatment of menopause, helping to alleviate some of the symptoms that women may be feeling.
A General Overview
Hormone therapy involves administering medications that contain hormones a female body may no longer be producing. During the initial stages of hormone therapy, there were suggestions that the treatment also brought along with it wider health benefits. In spite of this, subsequent studies began to show that there were a number of issues with hormone therapy being used to treat issues other than menopause. Nonetheless, hormone therapy is still a popular treatment for women going through menopause and is available in many forms.
The Possible Risks
The risks associated with hormone therapy tend to vary, depending on the medication taken. Some of the risks include issues such as breast cancer and stroke. Suggestions are being made that some people are more at risk than others, when it comes to the potential side effects of hormone therapy. The risks might depend on the age of the patient and the current state of their health.
There is no particular way in which someone can reduce the risks associated with hormone therapy as the risks will vary depending on the patient. Having good communication with your doctor is a great way to keep yourself safe, as they will be able to keep a constant eye on you and any symptoms you may be feeling whilst taking the medication. Taking good quality medicine is also imperative. For example, Greenwich Bioidentical Hormones may be a better option than the lesser known forms of treatment.
The Alternatives
In some situations, people need to avoid hormone therapy altogether as the risks pose too much of a threat to their way of life. For these people, other options need to be considered since hormone therapy is no longer an option. These other options tend not to include medication, and are revolved more so around changes in lifestyle. The changes in lifestyle might involve more exercise, a better diet and more relaxation.
The Future
The world of medicine is one that is constantly changing and so there is no reason as to why safer forms of hormone therapy are not on the horizon. Advancements in medication might allow those in need to receive hormone therapy without having to face all of the side effects.
No Time to Wait
For some people, the benefits outweigh the risks and treatment for menopause using hormone therapy remains a desirable option. For these people, the need for hormone therapy might be so urgent that there is not an alternative that they’re willing to consider.
Nonetheless, those considering hormone therapy as a treatment must always ensure that they are well informed before making a decision. They must do everything that they can to educate themselves about the side effects. Once they’re working with a skilled doctor and are aware of the risks, there is no reason why hormone therapy can not be an effective treatment option.
