Role of HRT on men and women.
Hormone replacement therapy plays significant roles in the male and female bodies at menopause. Hormone replacement therapy increases bone metabolism therefore strengthening bone for those at menopause. HRT also plays a role in alleviating the effects brought about by menopause. Menopause is characterized by hormonal imbalances which result in conditions such as extreme moods and sexual responsiveness (Martin et al., 2017). HRT increases the hormone to balance them and undo the effects of low hormones. HRT also plays the role of relieving conditions such as hot flashes, night sweat and vaginal dryness all which are symptoms in menopause. In men, HRT which include the administration of testosterone increases muscle mass and functionality (Sood et al, 2014). HRT is also used in transgender patients to suppress feminine hormones in transgender men and build their muscles. HRT also plays a significant role in treating gender dysphonic in adolescents (Unger, 2016). HRT is indicated for symptoms such as vasomotor signs, urogenital symptoms or administered as a preventive measure against Osteoporosis.
Benefits of HRT
HRT has several advantages in terms of health for the recipients. For one, HRT strengthens bones reducing the instance of bone fracture. Bone loss is a major characteristic of the aging process. Osteoporosis is a common bone disease which is caused by the insufficiency of the estrogen hormone (Gambacciani, & Levancini, 2014). HRT has other benefits such as lower total deaths when administered at early menopause, reduced Coronary Heart disease in women and adjust the quality of life for years. HRT reduces the chances of menopausal women from suffering heart-related disease and breast cancer as studies have shown. Also, it increases the quality of life enabling people at menopause to live longer and healthier lives. (Hodis & mack, 2014).
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Risks associated with HRT
There are minimal risks associated with HRT and it overall long-term benefits offset the risks. Some of the risks associated with HRT include dry eye syndrome, urinary incontinence, and nephrolithiasis among others. HRT has also been associated with endometrial cancer and lung cancer in a woman but clinical studies have shown no significance between HRT and such conditions. Venous thromboembolism has been seen to arise in the use of oral HRT. However, VTE only continues for the duration of the treatment and ends with the therapy (Martin et al., 2017). In conclusion, HRT has more benefits than risks a fact that is supported by clinical research. Therefore, HRT is recommended at early menopause to ensure a quality long life.
References
Hodis, H. N., & Mack, W. J. (2014). Hormone replacement therapy and the association with coronary heart disease and overall mortality: clinical application of the timing hypothesis. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 142 , 68-75. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.06.011
Martin, K. A., Barbieri, R. L., Synder, P. J., & Crowley, W. F. (2017). Menopausal hormone therapy: Benefits and risks. UpToDate . Retrieved on 5 September 2018.
Sood, R., Faubion, S. S., Kuhle, C. L., Thielen, J. M., & Shuster L. T. (2014). Prescribing menopausal hormone therapy: An evidence-based approach. International Journal of Women’s Health, 6 , 47–57. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S38342.
Unger, C. A. (2016). Hormone therapy for transgender patients . Translational Andrology and Urology, 5 (6), 877–884. doi: 10.21037/tau.2016.09.04.