At what age should you consider HRT?

You can usually begin HRT as soon as you start experiencing menopausal symptoms and will not usually need to have any tests first. However, a blood test to measure your hormone levels may be carried out if you're aged 40 to 45.

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What are the signs that you need hormone replacement therapy?

What Are the Signs that You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy?
  • Low sex drive. The lack of estrogen can cause changes in your libido, and some women may find it more difficult to become sexually aroused. ...
  • Chronic Vaginal Itching and Burning. ...
  • Night Sweats. ...
  • Mood Swings. ...
  • Chronic Insomnia. ...
  • Hot Flashes. ...
  • Hair Loss. ...
  • Urinary Problems.

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At what age is it too late to start HRT?

There is no specific age cut-off for starting HRT.

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Will I look younger if I take HRT?

HRT is also known to help women maintain softer, smoother skin, resulting in a younger look. In addition to—and, often, as a result of—these physical changes, HRT often changes how you see yourself.

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Do you age slower with HRT?

In addition to increasing longevity, hormone replacement therapy can help to address many of the changes we experience as we grow older. Estrogen therapy is associated with healthier and younger-looking skin in women.

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When to start HRT for menopause with Dr B

27 related questions found

Is it better to go through menopause without HRT?

One of the common treatment options for menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), supplementing your hormone levels to rebalance your system. However, you may prefer to move through menopause without using hormone treatments. And, women with previous hormone-dependent cancer shouldn't use HRT.

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Is it better not to go on HRT?

Stopping HRT

Most women stop taking it once their menopausal symptoms pass, which is usually after a few years. Women who take HRT for more than 1 year have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who never use HRT. The risk is linked to all types of HRT except vaginal oestrogen.

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Does HRT help with belly fat?

But there's hope for relief from the increased belly fat and weight gain that comes along with menopause. A recent study of postmenopausal women, ages 50 to 80, found that those who took hormones had significantly lower levels of belly fat than women who did not take hormones.

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Does HRT make you gain weight?

Many women believe that taking HRT will make them put on weight, but there's no evidence to support this claim. You may gain some weight during the menopause, but this often happens regardless of whether you take HRT. Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet should help you to lose any unwanted weight.

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What are the symptoms of low estrogen?

Symptoms of low estrogen can include:
  • Hot flashes, flushes, and night sweats are the most common symptoms of low estrogen. At times, blood rushes to your skin's surface. ...
  • Mood swings are another effect of low estrogen. You may feel sad, anxious, or frustrated. ...
  • Thinning tissues may cause discomfort.

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Who should not take HRT?

HRT is not recommended for women who have: History of prior heart attack or stroke and/or increased risk for vascular disease. Unexplained vaginal bleeding. Active or past breast cancer.

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Does vitamin D increase estrogen?

A Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study involving postmenopausal, overweight, and obese women who took 2,000 IUs of vitamin D daily for a year found that those whose vitamin D blood levels increased the most had the greatest reductions in blood estrogens, which are a known risk factor for breast cancer.

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Will HRT help me lose weight?

Hormone Replacement Therapy Improves Body Composition

In fact, a recent study found that women who used HRT had one point lower on the BMI scale and also about three pounds less of body fat compared to women who didn't use hormone replacement therapy.

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Is there a natural alternative to HRT?

Several products are sold in health shops for treating menopausal symptoms, including herbal remedies such as evening primrose oil, black cohosh, angelica, ginseng and St John's wort.

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How can I increase my estrogen naturally?

Top 7 foods and remedies to boost estrogen
  1. Soy and other legumes. Soybeans and soy products are a rich source of isoflavones, one of the most important groups of phytoestrogens. ...
  2. Flaxseeds. ...
  3. Dark chocolate. ...
  4. Garlic oil supplements. ...
  5. Red clover. ...
  6. Vitamin D. ...
  7. DHEA.

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What is the best natural hormone replacement for menopause?

Natural supplements and vitamins for menopause
  • Black cohosh. ...
  • Magnolia bark. ...
  • Red clover: natural hormone replacement. ...
  • Wild yam for menopause. ...
  • Chastetree berry. ...
  • Ashwagandha: for stress and anxiety in menopause. ...
  • Passionflower.

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Does HRT help with anxiety?

Anxiety during menopause may be due to several factors, including hormone fluctuations during and after menopause. Because hormones can have such an impact on mood and anxiety, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help alleviate your symptoms.

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What are the most common side effects of HRT?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is medicine used to treat the symptoms of the menopause. It is common to have side effects in the first few months of taking HRT. These usually settle on their own within 6 to 8 weeks. Side effects include weight gain, irregular bleeding, feeling sick (nausea) and skin irritation.

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What are the positive effects of HRT?

The main benefit of HRT is that it can help relieve most menopausal symptoms, such as: hot flushes. night sweats. mood swings.

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How do I get rid of a menopause belly?

To battle belly fat:
  1. Eat a healthy diet. Focus on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and choose lean sources of protein and low-fat dairy products. ...
  2. Replace sugary beverages. ...
  3. Keep portion sizes in check. ...
  4. Include physical activity in your daily routine.

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Does HRT help with sleep?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Systemic HRT can improve sleep quality, making it easier to get off to sleep, with less night-time waking; it has also been shown to improve chronic pain, mood and genitourinary symptoms. A 2017 study also demonstrated an improvement in hot flushes and night sweats.

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Why are doctors reluctant to prescribe HRT?

'Too old', 'too young', 'you have migraines', 'you've had a clot' – these are just some of the reason women are given by their doctor as justification for not prescribing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopause symptoms.

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Will taking HRT make me happier?

Taking the right type of oestrogen can really help improve this low mood and other symptoms related to the menopause. Many women find that they feel calmer, have more energy, are more motivated and generally much happier when they take HRT.

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Do you feel worse when starting HRT?

HRT does come with certain side effects, which tend to be most pronounced in the first few weeks and months of use. If you are unlucky, you may even find that HRT can make you feel worse before you feel better.

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