More HRT Questions

Editor's Note: The second set of Q and A's are from the Canadian Women's Health Network. As explained by CWHN, the Canadian Women's Health Network and the Centres of Excellence for Women's Health program is financially supported by the Women's Health Contribution Program, Women's Health Bureau and Health Canada. The Canadian Women's Health Network is a Network of individuals, groups, organizations and institutions concerned with women's health. The CWHN recognizes the importance of information sharing, education and advocacy for women's health and equality. We work to build and strengthen the women's health movement in Canada and throughout the world.

1. Why do some women choose not to use Hormone Therapy in menopause?
Many women choose not to use hormone therapy during menopause. Hormone therapy (HT) is also known as hormone replacement therapy or HRT. It is a hormone treatment prescribed to offset the lower levels of estrogen and progesterone that happen naturally at the beginning of menopause.


Some of the reasons women choose not to use HRT are:

a) They see menopause as a natural life transition and not as a disease that needs to be treated.
b) They experience no symptoms of menopause or have manageable symptoms that do not require treatment.
c) They don't want to take medication for a long period of time.
d) They want to avoid uncomfortable or dangerous side effects from the use of HRT.
e) They have other medical conditions that would make it unsafe to use HRT.

2. What self-care strategies can I use to manage my menopausal symptoms?
There are many things you can do to help reduce the discomforts and symptoms of menopause. Check our therapeutic treatment sections for a detailed description of the following strategies:

a) Make changes to your diet
b) Get regular exercise.
c) If you have hot flashes, you can dress in layers, carry a fan and keep your environment cooler - turn down the heat and open the windows.
d) Some women find that by avoiding certain 'trigger' foods they avoid hot flashes.
e) Use water-soluble lubricants during sex as well as daily for ongoing comfort and to prevent and treat vaginal and genital dryness and itching.
f) Do regular kegel exercises to help prevent urinary incontinence. Kegels are repeated contraction and relaxation of the muscles that cause urine flow.
g) Talk with and learn from other women going through menopause.

3. Can I use herbs to manage my symptoms?
There are several herbs that some women find useful for symptoms such as hot flashes, memory, concentration, sexual function and irregular bleeding. Some of these herbs have undergone clinical trials. Others are prescribed by health practitioners based on anecdotal evidence and historical use.

For the safest use of herbs:

a) Buy herbs that have been standardized. This means that every tablet you take has the same amount of the active ingredient. Look for a D.I.N. (Drug Information Number) or G.P. (General Public) number which shows that Health Canada has reviewed and approved the product's information, labeling and instructions for use.
b) Tell all your health care providers about any herbs that you are taking, especially if you are also taking any prescription medication.
c) Start with one herb at a time and observe its effects on your body. A qualified alternative practitioner such as a Naturopathic Doctor or a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner can tell you about which herbs for your symptoms and can help you to monitor the results.

Source: Canadian Women's Health Network

Click on the links above to find out more about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

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