Menopausal Hormone Therapy Melbourne
Smooth the menopause transition and potentially relieve menopausal symptoms.
What is Menopausal Hormone Therapy?
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), previously known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), is used to address the symptoms of menopause (specifically hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and sleep disturbance).
1 in 4 women going through perimenopause or menopause experience symptoms so intense that they require hormonal treatment with a gynaecologist. The goal of MHT is to help restore hormone levels, potentially improving menopause symptoms and overall quality of life.
Types of Menopausal Hormone Therapy
There are a few different types of MHT that may be recommended based on your specific circumstances, the type, and severity of your symptoms.
Oestrogen + Progestogen
This MHT is suitable for women who still have their uterus. Taking oestrogen on its own may increase the risk of endometrial cancer; so taking progestogen (natural or synthetic progesterone) as well may help to protect against this.
Oestrogen Only
This type of MHT is only suitable for women who have had their uterus removed (via a hysterectomy), as there is essentially no risk of endometrial cancer developing.
Tibolone
This is a combined MHT that involves oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. It is not suitable for women who have previously had breast cancer. It may help alleviate hot flashes, prevent bone loss, and enhance sexual function.
Oestrogen + SERM
This is a newer MHT that combines oestrogen with a SERM (selective oestrogen receptor modulator) known as bazedoxifene. It is only suitable for women who still have their uterus. While it may be less effective than oestrogen + progestogen, it typically has fewer side effects.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Menopausal Hormone Therapy?
Women in perimenopause or menopause often experience a decline in oestrogen and progesterone, which is what causes many of the undesirable symptoms we’ve discussed. If you are experiencing problems with hot flashes and night sweats, in particular, your doctor may recommend that you start MHT.
Some women also find that hormone therapy improves other symptoms, such as sleep, mood, sex drive, joint pain, itchy skin, and vaginal dryness. MHT may also have some benefits in reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis, heart disease, fractures, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancers.
Can MHT Be Used as a Fertility Treatment?
While MHT is generally not recommended during pregnancy, it may be used in pre-menopausal women or those undergoing premature menopause in consultation with a fertility specialist.
Your fertility may be maintained through hormone therapy or, in some cases, even improved. This is because MHT may help regulate your menstrual cycle, promote ovulation, and enhance the chances of conception.
Ready to take control back from your hormones?
What Are the Risks of MHT?
Some of the side effects that some women undergoing MHT experience include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Fluid retention
- Bloating
- Irregular bleeding
These side effects, if they occur, usually resolve within a few months.
MHT is not suitable for you if you currently have or have previously had:
- Breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or any other cancer that is dependent on hormones
- Vaginal bleeding without a known cause
- A blood clot that formed in a vein (such as in the legs or lungs)
- Heart disease or a stroke
- Liver disease
- Untreated high blood pressure
The risks of MHT depend on many factors, including your age, the type and dose of hormone therapy, how long you take it for, and your personal medical history. It’s important to speak with your doctor regarding the risks relevant to you before proceeding.
Your MHT Questions Answered
Is MHT linked with weight gain?
While hormone therapy in itself generally does not make a woman gain weight, it’s important to note that menopause occurs at a time when your metabolism naturally slows down. Your ability to exercise may also be limited by other health conditions. As such, it’s not uncommon for women to put on weight around this time (around 2.3kg on average).
Are there any alternatives to MHT?
Yes, some prescription medication alternatives may be explored if you don’t want or are unsuitable for hormone therapy. These include antidepressants, epilepsy medications, and blood pressure medications. While primarily used to treat other conditions, these medications may also help manage menopausal symptoms.
Can I reduce the risks associated with MHT?
Yes, there are several ways you may be able to lower the risks associated with hormone therapy. These include discussing with your doctor in detail which type of MHT best suits you, starting at a low dose, regularly reviewing the dose, and checking when it’s time to stop taking MHT. You should also exercise, eat well, stop smoking, and avoid too much alcohol and caffeine.
I’ve heard that MHT increases the risk of breast cancer; is this true?
Some studies have shown that MHT may lead to a slightly increased breast cancer risk, while others suggest that it may lower your risk. As we’ve touched on above, your risks depend on a lot of factors (including the type of MHT and your personal medical history). Bring this up with your doctor if it’s something you are concerned about.
Why Create Health?
Collaborative Care
We work closely with our patients to create personalised treatment plans tailored to their specific needs and goals. We have your best interests in mind and don’t recommend treatment that you don’t need.
Care in Your Language
Access to care that you understand and are comfortable with is important to us. Our team can consult in nine different languages, including Mandarin, Arabic, Hindi, German, and Malay. Ask us for more information.
Fertility Specialists
Many of our doctors are also qualified fertility specialists. If a woman’s health journey starts without the fertility discussion, yet later ventures in this direction, we can treat her within the same network.
Want to Treat Menopausal Symptoms with MHT?
Perimenopause and menopause are challenging enough without the unpleasant symptoms some women may experience. If you’re experiencing night sweats and hot flashes, the team at Create Health is here to help. With locations in East Melbourne, Mount Waverley and Berwick, we may explore whether MHT is an option for you and create a treatment plan that may provide some relief.