What is hormone replacement therapy and how is it used to treat women with the menopause? All you need to know – The Sun

Most women experience symptoms of menopause as they age - but here are the ways to alleviate the common ailments

MOST women will experience some symptoms of menopause as they get older.

The severity of this can range person to person with some turning to hormone replacement therapy to help relieve the unpleasant symptoms.

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So how does HRT work and what other treatments are available for patients struggling with menopausal symptoms?

HRT is a treatment which uses oestrogen and progesterone to relieve menopausal symptoms.

As the therapy replaces the hormones that your body is lacking after this change, its considered to be one of the most effective remedies for the following ailments

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There are different ways of taking HRT and it can be administered through tablets, skin patches, gels and vaginal creams, pessaries or rings.

A recent study claimed that women on hormone replacement therapy tend to live longer.

Taking the menopause relief treatment has survival benefits and cuts the overall risk of death by 30 per cent, experts claim.

Zoe Ball, whoseparated from the superstar DJ, real name Norman Cook, in September last year, recently opened up about going through menopause.

She revealed that she planned on HRT and more sex for her last hurrah.

Hormone replacement therapy is widely available to those who are battling menopausal symptoms.

Despite this, the NHS outlines those who may not be suitable for the treatment

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Book an appointment with your GP if youre interested in starting HRT.

After discussing your symptoms, the doctor will then explain the different types of hormone replacement therapy available to you.

If you meet the criteria of patients who can have HRT, your GP will then start you off on a low dose of the hormones.

Patients are typically urged to try the treatment for three months to see whether or not it works.

Often, your progress will be monitored in follow-up appointments to check that there arent any concerning side-effects.

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Taking medication of any sort can cause side-effects on the body but often these stabilise after a three month period.

Those who start on HRT may suffer increased breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, indigestion and vaginal bleeding.

Its important to visit your GP if youre concerned about these side-effects, or if they continue past the three month period.

Research has suggested the HRT can lead to a small increasing in the risk of serious ailments, including blood clots and breast cancer.

BBC presenter Kirsty Wark recently revealed that she endured a hard menopause after ditching HRT over cancer fears.

If your menopausal symptoms are causing you discomfort or occur before the age of 45, your GP may be able to help.

If Hormone Replacement Therapy doesnt seem like the right option for you, there are alternative treatments available.

In severe cases, your GP may offer...

And here are some tips to help you overcome the menopause naturally.

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What is hormone replacement therapy and how is it used to treat women with the menopause? All you need to know - The Sun