Written by John Williams - January 28, 2023
Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, typically starting at age 40 and lasting for about ten years. During this time, changes in hormones can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often used to manage these symptoms, but there are risks associated with the treatment that should be discussed before starting.
Short-term Side Effects
The most common side effects of HRT are mild and include nausea, vomiting, headaches and dizziness. In addition, some women may experience back pain and increased sensitivity to sunlight. These effects usually disappear once the body adjusts to the new hormones or when a different type or dosage is prescribed.
Longer-term side effects are more serious and include an increased risk for stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis, gallbladder disease and breast cancer. Women who smoke should not take HRT as the risks are much higher for them than non-smokers; even if they stop smoking after beginning HRT it does not necessarily reduce the health risks associated with it.
In addition to potential side effects associated with HRT usage, there are other considerations when deciding whether or not to use it. It may be difficult for some women who have a family history of any of the conditions listed above to justify taking on additional risk by using hormonal therapy; they should consult their doctor before making any decisions. Additionally, those who have had blood clots in the past will likely have an increased risk of experiencing them again while taking HRT, though this is considered rare. Some forms of birth control can also interfere with hormone levels in women taking HRT so alternate methods may need to be used alongside it if conception is desired in any way.
At Hormone Treatment Center we strive to provide comprehensive care tailored specifically to each individual woman’s needs throughout perimenopause and beyond. Our team takes pride in providing accurate information about the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy as part of our holistic approach towards your healthcare journey. Our commitment extends further into providing safe and knowledgeable dispensing services whilst adhering strictly to all applicable laws relating to medication supply across Australia including therapeutic medicines which require prescriptions from qualified doctors only at out premises here @Hormone Treatment Center Sydney CBD location As such we make sure all patients receive appropriate information so as they can make informed choices accordingly abut their own unique therapeutic needs & goals
It's important that women considering hormone replacement therapy speak with their doctor about both the potential benefits and risks associated with it before beginning treatment; communication between patient and doctor about lifestyle factors such as smoking or family history will help ensure informed decision making regarding whether or not this type of therapy is right for each individual woman. With quality care from experienced professionals combined with honest dialogue about possible side effects, women can make confident decisions about how best to manage their perimenopausal discomfort without compromising their long term health goals.*