Although it is safe, proper medical guidance is needed so that hormone replacement does not cause health problems.
Summary
A study published in the journal Menopause concludes that it is safe to continue hormone replacement therapy even after the age of 65, as it can benefit women’s health. However, the effects depend on the type, dose and how it is administered.
It’s no news that properly prescribed hormone replacement therapy is one of the best treatments for menopause, or at least it shouldn’t be. Especially now that a recent study published in the journal Menopause concluded that it is safe to continue hormone replacement therapy (HRT) even after the age of 65.
The gynecologist specializing in women’s health at climaclima, André Vinícius, says that many women still believe they need to stop hormone replacement therapy after a few years of use. However, this is not true.
I study
Researchers analyzed the medical records of 10 million older women in the U.S. public health system from 2007 to 2020. They concluded that hormone replacement therapy provides health benefits to women over 65 who continue treatment. However, the effects depend on the type of therapy, the dose and how it is administered.
André Vinícius says that if the woman maintains the conditions that prompted the doctor to recommend treatment, this should persist in the long term. Even after the age of 65.
“It must be said that hormone replacement therapy is for all women, but there are three cases that require greater attention: when the patient has already had breast cancer; when the patient has already had endometrial cancer, even if the uterus has already been removed; or if the patient has already had a stroke, heart attack or thrombosis,” says the doctor.
Why take hormone replacement?
Hormone replacement has the role of replacing sexual hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone). During menopause, the production of these hormones decreases, leading to hormone deficiency. HRT, however, relieves symptoms and prevents complications resulting from this phenomenon.
A survey carried out by the Brazilian Climate Society (Sobrac) interviewed around 1,500 women aged between 45 and 65. The survey found that only 22.3% of them received a medical recommendation to undergo hormone treatment and decided to do so. One of the main reasons for poor adherence is the lack of knowledge of the real benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy.
“There are still many myths about treatment with hormones. Many patients are afraid of gaining weight or developing cancer. But there are several scientific studies that demonstrate that the risks of those who appropriately take hormone replacement therapy are practically the same as those who do not do it”, specifies the gynecologist. According to him, in addition to relieving symptoms such as hot flashes and insomnia, hormone replacement therapy during menopause can also prevent osteoporosis and improve cardiovascular health.
After all, does hormone replacement cause breast cancer?
The gynecologist explains that the matter is not so simple, since it is necessary to analyze the treatment that the woman is receiving. For him, the hormone combination, the types of hormones used and the way they are administered are key factors in whether hormone replacement during menopause is successful or not.
“Many women have concerns about the increased risk of breast cancer linked to hormone replacement. There are studies linking hormone replacement based on ethinyl estradiol combined with progestins, two synthetic hormones, with an increased risk of invasive breast cancer. However , the same did not happen with isolated estrogen replacement,” he says.
Furthermore, hormone replacement therapy carried out without medical assessment, aimed at contraindicating the use of estrogens, can trigger possible vascular problems and is completely contraindicated, according to André.
It is important to highlight that the risks listed above arise when hormone replacement therapy is carried out without additional indications, that is, when the doctor ends up neglecting the woman’s lifestyle and its evolution throughout her fertile life. These elements are important to obtain a beneficial and effective treatment.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
