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Side Effects Of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy is a popular treatment method of menopause. Unfortunately, as with any medication or treatment, there are some side effects which women need to be aware of. It’s important to know and understand what’s going on with your body and what you’re putting into your body, especially if you’re consuming something that is meant to “balance” your hormones.

Hormone replacement therapy is given to a woman who is in the early stages of ovarian decline (or perimenopause). Hormone replacement therapy uses hormones created in a laboratory to replace the estrogen our body normally makes on its own. In the years before menopause, our body goes through a series of changes which makes our periods less frequent, we may stop producing eggs (or ovulating) until we eventually stop having our monthly cycle all together and can no longer bear children.

When we have gone 12 months without a period, we’re considered to be in menopause. Approximately 85% of women on hormone replacement therapy experience vaginal bleeding. Most women experience heavy or irregular bleeding in the first few months of treatment. If bleeding continues to be irregular or does not stop, the dosage can be adjusted. Women who have gone 12 months without monthly bleeding and are 54 or older can use hormone replacement therapy in conjunction with daily progestogen.
Hormone replacement therapy can also cause women to retain fluid. This can cause bloating, ankle swelling, facial swelling, headaches, leg discomfort and breast tenderness.

Some women may also experience PMS type symptoms while taking hormone replacement there. Women who experienced PMS symptoms during their regular periods or more likely to experience these symptoms during menopause or treatment of menopause.

Nausea is another side effect of hormone replacement there. This side effect can be reduced by taking the oral tablet at night with food instead of in the morning. If this doesn’t work, patients may be instructed to discontinue use of the hormone replacement therapy in tablet form and switch to a different method (such as a gel, ring or patch).

Weight gain is the last side effect of hormone replacement therapy. It’s probably one of the biggest issues that women have to face and it certainly doesn’t help our stress levels or our self image. If you begin gaining weight after starting hormone replacement therapy, you should modify your diet and exercise routine to see if that helps. If it doesn’t, you may wish to see your doctor to speak with him or her regarding the weight gain and whether or not a different approach to hormone replacement therapy or menopausal treatment can be taken.

There are many menopause treatments out there and not all of them have the above side effects. Since you’re already experiencing symptoms that may be similar just with the menopause and pre-menopausal effects, it can be difficult to decipher whether or not the symptoms you’re having are from the hormone replacement therapy or the menopause itself.

Tags: Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause, Nausea, PMS symptoms, Side Effects, Weight gain

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