Online Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Treatment
Learning More about
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
As with all medical treatments and therapies, there are both benefits and risks as well as potential side effects to treatment with HRT. At the start of your journey with OMC, we’ll inform you of the risks and benefits of HRT and clarify the difference between synthetic vs bioidentical hormones (BHRT) and standard vs compounded bioidentical hormones.
We also have two dedicated pages relating to bio identical HRT and body identical HRT to help you learn more about each option in more detail.
Synthetic vs Bioidentical Hormones
Until recently, synthetic HRT was the mainstream treatment offered to women experiencing symptoms of menopause. This form of HRT is still prescribed, and it works well for some women.
However, more commonly now, menopause specialists are opting for bioidentical hormones, hormones with the same molecular structure to those produced by our body. The reason for this is based on research which has shown fewer side effects and risks.
Standard (rBHRT) vs Compounded Bioidentical Hormones (cBHRT)
The 2 types of bioidentical hormones:
Standard bioidentical hormones (Body identical hormones – rBHRT).
These hormones are manufactured using generic or pre-determined dosages and are available from most pharmacies in the country. They are the preferred choice of HRT by most menopause clinics.
Compounded bioidentical hormones (cBHRT).
These are prepared based on individual’s blood levels and symptoms and prescribed by experts in select private clinics. They are dispensed only by compounding pharmacies and the dose can be adjusted. This form of HRT is unlicensed.
You can find out further information on this type of personalised HRT here or get in touch with our Patient Care Team here
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Expected benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT can control symptoms associated with an imbalance or declining levels of hormones. Possible benefits of HRT include the management or delay of diseases such as osteoporosis and some degenerative, autoimmune and chronic diseases.
Bioidentical hormones are derived from soy and yams.
They are more naturally integrated into our body as they are not recognised as foreign and therefore, usually they restore hormonal and metabolic balance with less side effects than the synthetic hormones.
Risks & Side effects of HRT
Potential risks of HRT
Much of the concern about HRT safety stems from the WHI (Women’s Health Initiative) study. This study looked at Premarin (synthetic estrogen) and Provera (a progestin or synthetic progesterone). It showed a small increase in
Much of the concern about HRT safety stems from the WHI (Women’s Health Initiative) study. This study looked at Premarin (synthetic estrogen) and Provera (a progestin or synthetic progesterone). It showed a small increase in the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke and pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs).
Since then, our understanding of HRT has advanced significantly. Modern HRT is very different from the preparations used in the WHI study, and a large body of evidence now supports the safety of HRT for most women when prescribed appropriately. For the vast majority of women, the benefits of HRT in improving symptoms, quality of life, bone health and long-term health outweigh the potential risks.
Breast cancer risk is influenced by many factors, including age, genetics, body weight, alcohol intake, smoking, physical activity and family history. Any potential effect of HRT on breast cancer risk is small and should be considered in the context of these other factors. Importantly, transdermal (across skin) estrogen-only HRT has not been shown to increase breast cancer risk and may even be associated with a reduced risk in some women.
Every woman is different, which is why HRT should be tailored to the individual. For most women, HRT is a safe and effective treatment that can have a profound positive impact on health and wellbeing.
Potential side effects of HRT
Side effects of taking HRT depends on which hormone you have been prescribed. You may be prescribed one or more hormones in order to help you reach hormonal balance and to improve your symptoms.
Side effects include but are not limited to endometrial bleeding/spotting, breast tenderness, water retention, headaches, low mood, excessive body hair, acne.
