Question

Discuss the risks and benefits of estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of both the emotional and physical symptoms of menopause. Discuss alternatives to drug therapy, and the willingness of healthcare insurers to pay for them.  

Answer 1

Hormone replacement therapy is a system of medical treatment for surgical menopausal, perimenopausal and to lesser extended postmenopausal women.

Benefits of Hormone replacement therapy : *HRT is the most effective treatment at reducing vasomotor systems . Vasomotor symptoms are usually improved with in four weeks of treatment. *HRT may also Improve sleep ,reduce pains and improve quality of life . *Short term HRT may improve mood and also depressive symptoms. *HRT significantly improve the reproductive tract dryness and improve the function. *Helps to treat symptoms of atrophy of reproductive canal. *Relive the symptoms of urinary frequency as it has proliferative effect on the bladder and urethral epithelium. *HRT is effective in preserving bone mineral density, it help to reduction of risk of osteoporosis. *HRT has a protective effect against connective tissue loss ,decrease age related tooth loss

Estrogen based Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)Risks and possible side effects : *When estrogen is given alone to a women intact uterus it cause endometrial proliferation,hyperplsia and carcinoma. *Combined estrogen and progesterone replacement therapy increase the risk of breast cancer slightly. *Venous thromboembolic disease has been found to be increase with use of combined oral estrogen and progesterone therapy. *Estrogen increase the blood pressure. Hormones used in HRT can associated with side effects like fluid retention ,bloating, breast tenderness or swelling,headache, indigestion,depression.

Alternatives to treat menopause symptoms: As menopause women face fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone,they will experience symptoms including hot flushes ,insomnia , depression, Brest pain and mood swings. Natural remedies are available to reduce symptoms but need to take suggestion from physician before starting these therapies. *Black cohosh help to reduce hot flush. *Vitamin D and calcium supplements help to reduce bone loss and reduce risk of osteoporosis and falls . *Acupuncture and mindful breathing therapies help to relive the symptoms.

Health insurance can covered fro acupuncture , chiropractic treatment, massages,, paying out for alternative medicines.Many health insurance plans help to cover these.