Brazilian Consensus on Climacteric Hormone Therapy Confirms Effectiveness of Hormone Therapy in Alleviating Menopause Symptoms
Can menopause symptoms be treated? The Brazilian Consensus on Climacteric Hormone Therapy 2024, which updates the guidelines for the administration of menopausal hormone therapy (HT), reinforces the high efficacy and safety of the treatment. The document was produced by the Brazilian Climacteric Association (Sobrac) in collaboration with the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (Febrasgo).
“This new consensus represents the most recent and reliable information on hormone replacement in menopause, reinforcing the numerous benefits of this treatment, which significantly outweigh the possible risks. Hormone therapy is recommended for almost all women who suffer from menopause symptoms, with few contraindications,” explains the gynecologist Igor Padovesimenopause specialist and member of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), the International Menopause Society (IMS) and the Brazilian Menopause Association.
According to the expert, the consensus was drawn up on the basis of publications with a very high level of scientific evidence, making its conclusions indisputable. This new consensus of SOBRAC joins numerous other publications of international institutions, such as the North American Menopause Society and the International Menopause Society, which indicate hormone therapy as the best option not only to relieve the symptoms of menopause, but also to prevent disease and increase longevity. .
The document reaffirms the effectiveness of hormone therapy for four already established indications: the treatment of the famous hot flashes, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (formerly called urogenital atrophy), the prevention and treatment of menopause-related bone loss, and early menopause (before age 45). But, in addition, the consensus indicates numerous other already recognized benefits of hormone treatment.
“HT has been shown to provide cardiovascular protection to women, reduce mortality from various causes, reduce the risk of diabetes, improve sleep, depressive symptoms, sexual function, reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and even Alzheimer’s. All of this is explicitly written in the consensus,” says the gynecologist.
“Proper treatment also reduces the accumulation of body fat, especially in the abdominal region, and stabilizes the damage caused by estrogen deficiency in the skin, which gives it an aged and wrinkled appearance,” she adds.
The ideal way to manage hormones
The consensus also provides guidelines on the ideal way to administer these hormones to improve their effectiveness and reduce risks.
“Currently, it is recommended to administer hormone therapy with hormones through the ‘non-oral’ route, for example through the skin. Most of the known risks of hormone therapy are due to incorrect administration or the use of synthetic and oral hormones, therapeutic regimens used in the past,” explains Igor, who explains that hormonal HT has some risks, but they are very small and can be controlled by following the correct recommendations also highlighted in the document.
“Uterine cancer is a possible risk of HT, which occurs due to uncontrolled development of the endometrium caused by estrogen. But, to control this process, we also administer progesterone. Another possibility is breast cancer, but this risk is very small: less than one in a thousand women. Therefore, the vast majority of women can undergo hormone therapy without any concerns.”
The publication also addresses contraindications to hormone therapy in menopause, such as decompensated liver disease, some cardiovascular and venous diseases, breast and endometrial cancer, and vaginal bleeding of unknown cause. But even these situations cannot be considered absolute contraindications.
“Hormone therapy may often be indicated, after a careful evaluation of the risks and benefits. It is important to remember that not using hormone therapy also entails risks, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and fractures, as well as symptoms that can significantly impact the quality of life,” the specialist emphasizes.
“The recommendation is to personalize treatment, as symptoms can vary greatly and there are different types of hormones, doses, and routes of administration. Evaluation by an experienced professional is essential,” she adds.
Igor Padovesi emphasizes that reading the Brazilian Consensus on Climacteric Hormone Therapy 2024 should be mandatory for all gynecologists and endocrinologists.
“Even today there are doctors who oppose hormone therapy based on what they learned several years ago, leaving countless patients without care, with their quality of life completely compromised and even at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in women,” she specifies.
Igor also adds that hormone therapy is especially important for greater longevity.
“Today, a woman’s life expectancy is around 80 years. In other words, considering that the first symptoms begin to appear around the age of 40 and menopause usually arrives around the age of 50, we can say that a woman spends almost half of her life in menopause. And today’s fifty-year-old woman is completely different from previous generations: she is an active woman, at the peak of her career, who wants to preserve her sexuality, take care of herself and delay the effects of aging. Therefore, it is essential that patients and doctors are aware of the effectiveness and safety of hormone therapy in menopause,” she concludes.
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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.
