During menopause, women experience a decline in estrogen production, leading to discomforts such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Hormone therapy can help replace this estrogen, alleviate symptoms, and potentially prevent bone loss and fractures in postmenopausal women. Deciding whether to undergo hormone therapy depends on a woman’s age, medical history, and the severity of her symptoms, so it’s essential to be aware of the various types, benefits, and potential side effects.

Types

Estrogen and progestin or hormone replacement therapy
Also referred to as combination therapy, this hormone therapy combines progesterone and estrogen dosages.

Estrogen therapy
It is an independent therapy wherein doctors suggest a low dosage as a patch or a pill daily. Alternatively, some doctors may recommend estrogen as a spray, gel, vaginal ring, or cream.

What are the symptoms that you require hormone therapy?
When menopause symptoms disrupt your quality of life, doctors may recommend hormone therapy. It is best to see your doctor if you are experiencing one of the below-listed signs:

• Insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Night sweats or/and hot flashes
• Body, muscle, or/and joint aches
• Decreased productivity compared to your usual self
• Persistent and unresolved discomfort
• Unusual behavior or reactions noticed by friends and family
• Heightened sensitivity and emotional upset to minor issues
• Discomfort during sexual activity
• Feeling disconnected from your body or emotions
• Reduced energy levels or decreased activity
• Difficulties with work-related tasks, memory, speech, or thinking

Side effects
Depending on the type preferred, you may experience the following:

• Leg cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Breast tenderness
• Bloating
• Mood changes
• Acne
• Backache
• Indigestion
• Vaginal bleeding
• Nausea
• Depression
• Inflammation in the breasts or other body parts
• Headaches
• Migraine

Is it safe?
Back in time, hormone therapy was a standard treatment for menopause. However, it may not be suitable or safe for everyone, especially people with specific risks. But today, doctors consider it a safe treatment in the following cases:

• For severe or moderate vaginal dryness and hot flashes
• Within ten years after menopause onset
• Administered at the lowest feasible dosage for the minimum duration possible
• Individuals up to 59 years old

But doctors will consider an individual’s preferences and overall health before suggesting hormone therapy.

Who should not go for hormone therapy?
Hormone therapy is not for people with a history of:

• Blood clots or thrombosis
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• High triglycerides level in the blood
• Breast cancer
• Stroke
• Gallbladder disease
• Heart disease
• People must also avoid it if they are pregnant or might conceive.

Hormone therapy for men
Men do not undergo menopause. However, they, too, will experience a drop in their hormone levels as they grow older. While some believe hormone therapy for men can make them feel and look younger, experts do not suggest it for anti-aging purposes. Research does not classify it as safe. Moreover, there isn’t enough evidence that hormone therapy for men works. Further, it may also amplify their risks of developing cardiovascular disease.

Cost
The average monthly cost of hormone replacement therapy ranges from $30 to $90, depending on the treatment method and hormone dosage needed for each dose. The total expense varies based on individual factors.