6 of the best hormonal drugs for menopause

Indications

Manifestations of menopause symptoms vary from person to person.
Non-hormonal medications can help manage or reduce the following symptoms:

• tides;
• headaches, dizziness;
• sleep disturbance;
• psycho-emotional disturbances;
• absent-mindedness, inability to concentrate.

Hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated in women who have the following pathologies:

• serious liver and kidney diseases;
• chronic diseases of the biliary tract;
• vein thrombosis;
• thromboembolic diseases;
• diabetes;
• autoimmune diseases;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• oncological diseases of different locations;
• obesity.

HRT is contraindicated in women who have uterine bleeding for unknown reasons. Microdosed drugs are prescribed to women with the following diagnoses: mastopathy, uterine fibroids and bone tissue disorders. When the patient is over 65 years old, the doctor selects medications only with small doses of hormones.

New generation HRT drugs reduce the risk of possible complications to a minimum.

Prescribed drugs for:

• menopause occurring in women under 40 years of age;
• pronounced signs of menopause;
• the patient’s desire to eliminate unpleasant symptoms;
• surgical menopause after removal of reproductive organs;
• treatment of a malignant tumor after chemotherapy;
• development of pathologies that appeared during menopause (hypertension, urinary incontinence, atherosclerosis).

HRT cannot be prescribed for certain diseases.

The list of them is quite large:

• oncological diseases;
• ovarian endometriosis;
• uterine bleeding;
• bleeding of unknown etiology;
• diabetes mellitus in a complicated form;
• chronic liver and kidney diseases;
• autoimmune pathologies;
• heart and vascular diseases;
• bleeding disorders;
• individual intolerance to hormonal drugs.

If the use of hormonal pharmaceuticals is necessary, a specialist should select a useful and safe remedy.

Are there any contraindications for hormonal pills for women?

Such drugs should not be taken if:

• breast cancer;
• malignant tumors of the uterus, ovaries;
• thrombosis, thromboembolism;
• uterine fibroids;
• diabetes mellitus;
• nervous disorders;
• autoimmune diseases;
• endometriosis;
• uterine bleeding of unknown origin;
• liver and kidney diseases;
• rehabilitation after heart attack, stroke;
• heart problems.

Hormone levels during menopause - FSH, estradiol, progesterone

Menopause is a natural process of attenuation of reproductive function in every woman, associated with a decrease in the amount of hormones produced in the body.

For each representative of the fair sex, such hormonal changes are accompanied by various symptoms, but in any case there is a deterioration in the general condition and an exacerbation of pre-existing chronic diseases.

In this article, we will describe exactly what hormones a woman needs to take for tests during menopause in order to verify its onset and select the appropriate medications to alleviate the symptoms of this period.

All manifestations of menopause in women by the age of 50 are associated exclusively with hormonal disorders caused by the withering of the reproductive function of the female body.

But the absence of menstruation is not always a sign of the onset of menopause; in order to determine the cause of one or another symptom, it is necessary to monitor the level of sex hormones in the blood.

Women during menopause have precise norms, by comparing them with research results, appropriate conclusions can be drawn.

Based on the results of hormone tests, a gynecologist can prescribe hormone replacement therapy and thereby significantly alleviate the symptoms of menopause for a woman.

Laboratory diagnostics should be carried out at the stage of premenopause, when the symptoms of menopause are not clearly expressed, but the first changes in the functioning of the body have already begun. Hormone tests during menopause can provide all the information about these changes.

You should go to a gynecologist and get tested for female hormones during menopause if the following symptoms appear:

• irregular periods;
• unexpected bleeding from the uterus;
• severe joint pain;
• dizziness, general weakness and headaches;
• abnormal vaginal discharge;
• hot flashes and increased sweating.

For each woman, her own personal level of progesterone, estradiol, prolactin and other hormones is normal, and hormonal imbalance is accompanied by a significant deviation from their normal value.

Female hormones during menopause, or rather changes in their levels, lead to the following changes in the body:

• decreased testosterone leads to the accumulation of fat in the chest and abdomen, as well as decreased bone density. The normal level of this hormone in the blood is 70 ng/dl; during menopause, the level drops to 40 ng/dl;
• estradiol during menopause can fluctuate in the range of 9.7-82 pg/ml;
• Progesterone level allows you to assess the condition of the uterus. Its norm is 0.64 nmol/l. Problems with the production of progesterone lead to disruptions in the menstrual cycle;
• Prolactin decreases significantly during menopause, but changes in the level of this hormone do not have any special symptoms. Its norm at this time should be 25-400 mU/l. Prolactin levels decrease annually;
• the level of LH and FSH with the onset of menopause increases 5-fold and is about 40 mIU/ml.

The most important process in the female body is metabolism, which is controlled by hormones. Various systems of the body take part in it, but its main task is to supply nutrients to various tissues, which ensures the normal functioning of the entire organism as a whole.

During menopause, hormonal levels change significantly, and these changes primarily negatively affect metabolism. Depending on the individual characteristics of the female body, signs of these changes may appear more or less pronounced, but almost every woman will experience the following body reactions:

• The level of female sex hormones decreases, and this affects not only the ability to conceive a child, but also the activity of the brain. The work schedule of some of its areas changes, and in particular the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, which take part in the production of sex hormones. Due to changes in the circulatory system of the upper body, there may be hot flashes in the face, neck and décolleté, dizziness, nausea, increased sweating and sudden changes in pressure;
• the balance of minerals in the body is also disturbed, which entails a decrease in the density of bone tissue and teeth;
• a reduced amount of hormones during menopause leads to problems with the thyroid gland, the production of thyroxine, which increases anxiety and increases the heart rate, is no longer suppressed;
• sex hormones are also responsible for the normal functioning of the adrenal glands; during menopause, hormonal disorders lead to malfunctions of this organ and, as a result, cause increased blood pressure and heart pain;
• hormonal changes also affect the functioning of the central nervous system, causing unreasonable fears, irritability, tearfulness and mood swings.

Now let's look at what tests a woman needs to undergo during menopause:

• on the level of FSH in the blood. With the advent of menopause, the value of hormones produced by the ovaries decreases, and FSH increases. This analysis allows us to determine the presence of disturbances in the synthesis of estrogen;
• on estradiol levels. If the result is greatly reduced and differs significantly from the norm, then this not only may indicate the onset of menopause, but also means that there is a high risk of complications at this stage (osteoporosis, atherosclerosis may develop);
• to the LH level. If menopause has entered the active phase, the content of this hormone increases;
• to progesterone. Its content in the blood gradually decreases. And during the first 2-3 years of menopause, this hormone may be completely absent in a woman’s body.

If a woman does not move in medical circles, then test results will be an ordinary set of numbers and icons for her, especially if she has undergone many studies and has accumulated a whole stack of such printouts.

It is best to consult a doctor for interpretation, but you can first assess whether this or that indicator is normal at home.

You still cannot do without a visit to the doctor, because only a specialist can prescribe adequate treatment based on the test results.

For various hormones, the norm for women during menopause will be as follows:

• Prolactin should normally be 107-290 mcg/l;
• thyroid-stimulating substance, the norm will be 0.2-3.2 mIU/l, the value should not change much over time;
• follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH level should be 24-84 units, while the FSH norm is 54 units with a permissible fluctuation of 30 units. round trip;
• luteinizing hormone - on average, its level should be 43 units. with a permissible deviation of 30 units in both directions;
• Progesterone during menopause is quite difficult to determine. At this time, progesterone decreases to 1 nM/l;
• The intensity of symptoms during this period depends on the level of estrogen during menopause, so the doctor must prescribe an estradiol test. The permissible norm of estradiol in women during menopause is 8-82 units. The lower the value, the brighter the signs of menopause. If estradiol during menopause is above 82 units, this can accelerate the development of benign formations, kidney failure and provoke general fatigue.

The LH/FSH ratio is also quite informative for a specialist. This indicator is measured as a percentage and during menopause the value of the ratio of FSH and LH should be in the range of 0.35-0.75 units. The lower the value, the more severe the symptoms.

This is an approximate transcript of the tests; only a doctor can read the results accurately.

A woman’s menstrual cycle is closely related to the level of sex hormones in her body, so you need to clearly know on what day you can take a particular blood test for hormones:

• for FSH, LH is given on the 4-5th day of the cycle;
• estradiol is taken on days 19-22 of the cycle;
• for progesterone - on days 18-21 of the cycle.

To ensure that the results of hormone tests taken during menopause are as accurate as possible, you must follow the following rules:

• go to change hungry;
• the day before the collection, you should not overwork and subject your body to heavy physical activity;
• one day before the test, you should not smoke or drink alcohol, or have sex;
• avoid stress and any emotional shock;
• a couple of days before the test, you need to stop taking hormonal medications prescribed earlier. The exact date of discontinuation should be discussed with your doctor;
• if it is necessary to check the level of hormones over time, then the test should be taken in the same laboratory so that the same reagents and methods are used.

The most “influential” group of hormones in the female body are estrogens, in particular estradiol.

They are the ones who contribute to the development of the reproductive system in adolescence, support its functioning throughout a woman’s life, and are responsible for the cyclical processes in the reproductive organs.

Along with the symptoms caused by menopause, signs of an acute lack of estrogen in the body appear:

• the skin dries out, becomes thinner and wrinkles appear. In a short period, the number of blemishes on the skin can sharply increase, papillomas, moles, peeling, and microcracks appear;
• Blood pressure surges, headaches appear, blood vessels spasm, causing impaired coordination of movement and nausea. Hot flashes occur especially at night;
• brain function deteriorates, which causes poor memory, fatigue and decreased performance;
• due to a lack of estrogen, the absorption of calcium by the body is impaired and its rapid leaching is observed, bones become more fragile;
• heart rate accelerates.

During menopause, it is very important to know the level of estradiol in the blood, since a significant decrease in it increases the symptoms of menopause. This hormone is produced by the ovaries and follicles, and to a lesser extent by adipose tissue.

With the decline of ovarian function, the body tries to replenish estradiol reserves by increasing the fat layer capable of producing it. This causes an increase in a woman’s body weight during menopause.

There are other signs of decreased estradiol:

• a feeling of dryness in the vagina and discomfort, since this hormone is responsible for the secretion of mucus by the cervix and vaginal walls;
• the breasts sag and become flabby;
• libido decreases;
• the level of cholesterol in the blood drops and it becomes more viscous;
• fluid leaves the body faster, this manifests itself in increased sweating and frequent urination;
• the process of tissue restoration is reduced;
• The woman’s emotional state worsens; inappropriate reactions to what is happening, sudden mood swings and unpredictable behavior may occur.

What changes occur in the female body during menopause?

The first thing to remember is that menopause is not a disease. This is a natural state of the body, which is characterized by the extinction of the functioning of the ovaries. Once menopause occurs, a woman no longer has the ability to successfully conceive.

The body begins to actively age. A lot of new wrinkles appear. The skin looks flabby and is no longer firm. The main manifestations of menopause are presented in the table.

A woman is actively losing hair. Nails peel and break. It is possible that rashes will appear on the skin.

The risk of menopause can be reduced only by following all the basics of a healthy lifestyle. If symptoms have already appeared, hormone therapy may be required.

How to take it

The choice of drug, its dosage, regimen and course duration are selected only by a gynecologist. It takes into account the results of a study of the patient’s hormonal levels and her general health.

Admission rules:

• medications are taken at the same time of day (as prescribed by the doctor);
• hormonal drugs are prescribed daily or cyclically, that is, 21 days with seven-day breaks;
• You cannot independently change the prescribed dosage or the drug itself;
• if the drug is missed, then the usual dose should be taken within 12 hours, and the next tablet at the strictly prescribed time;
• You cannot take hormone replacement medications for life;
• During treatment, you should visit a gynecologist at least twice a year.

Why do hormonal changes occur during menopause?

Changing hormonal levels during menopause is a natural and inevitable process. But too pronounced or premature manifestations of menopause can be caused by the following factors:

• hereditary predisposition to early decline of reproductive function;
• diseases of the reproductive organs;
• infectious diseases of the genital tract;
• unsystematic, unsupervised use of contraceptives;
• disorders of the thyroid gland and other endocrine glands;
• previous surgical operations on the pelvic organs;
• frequent abortions;
• late or early entry into sexual activity;
• long abstinence from sexual relations;
• sleep disorders;
• poor diet;
• constant stress;
• inactive lifestyle.

Why is hormone replacement therapy needed?

The famous TV presenter Elena Malysheva, often in her programs repeats the basic principle of treating diseases and conditions - if the body lacks something, then the resulting deficiency must be replenished by taking medications containing the missing substance. Sex hormones are no exception.

When the amount of estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body begins to decrease, they need to be taken in some dosage form: tablets, capsules, skin patch, subcutaneous implant, etc.

Medical statistics show that in European countries more than half of women take hormones during menopause. In our country, only 1 in 50 representatives of the fair sex receives such treatment.

This situation is not due to the fact that our medicine is lagging behind in some way or that there is a shortage of medicines. The main reason is the prejudice that makes women afraid to take hormonal medications.

Depending on the patient’s health status, her age, and the intensity of symptoms, the gynecologist may prescribe different treatment regimens.

Monotherapy

This therapy is carried out with medications containing only estrogens or progesterone. When a woman has her uterus removed, she is prescribed to drink a drug that contains only estrogens.

The best drugs in this group: Ovestin, Estrofem, Divigel. Preparations containing only gestagens - artificial analogues of progesterone, are prescribed for HRT in combination with estrogen-containing drugs.

The content of estrogens and progestogens in various drugs.

The most popular tablets containing only gestagens include: Progesterone, Norkolut, Iprozhin, Duphaston and Utrozhestan. Ladies are often prescribed the following vaginal suppositories and gels containing the hormone gestagen: Prajisan, Crinon, Progestogel, Progesterone gel and Urozhestan suppositories. They can be taken from 14 to 25 days of the cycle.

Recently, gynecologists have successfully used the following treatment regimen. The woman is inserted with contraceptive hormonal intrauterine devices, which periodically release microdoses of gestagen into the uterus and, at the same time, estrogen-containing medications are prescribed. A lady can wear the Mirena spiral for a long time - from 5 to 10 years.

For treatment, medications are prescribed that contain two hormones: estrogens and progesterone. Depending on the proportion of hormones in the tablets, the products are mono-, two-, or three-phase. Tablets of two-phase and three-phase drugs of different colors. They are drunk strictly according to the schedule, so that fluctuations in sex hormones are repeated in the body, as during the menstrual cycle.

Here is a list of the most popular combination drugs: Divina, Klimara, Livial, Klimonorm, Marvelon, Angelique, Grandaxin, Femoden, Silest.

For women who have contraindications to HRT, here are the names of good drugs with phytoestrogens: Extrovel, Klimadinon, Qi-Klim, Menopace, Feminal, Femicaps. Despite the herbal basis of these remedies, they must be prescribed by a doctor.

Such drugs have a cumulative effect. Therefore, it is necessary for a woman to drink them longer. The first result is noticeable after about 2 weeks, and the effect of treatment appears after 1-2 months of taking the product.

Hormone replacement therapy drugs for menopause

HRT can be carried out in the form of systemic, local or combination therapy. The main component of treatment is estrogens. Drugs are selected individually and must be prescribed by a doctor. The choice of medications depends on the woman’s age, duration of menopause, and the presence of concomitant pathologies.

Evista is a drug containing raloxifene as an active ingredient, a selective estrogen receptor modulator

Systemic therapy

For systemic therapy, tablets containing estrogens are prescribed. Low doses of estrogen are prescribed, which correspond to the level of endogenous estradiol.

Isolated administration of estrogens is associated with a high risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia and cancer, and the risk of thrombosis and cholelithiasis also increases several times.

In this regard, combination drugs containing estrogens and progesterone are more often used. Combination drugs for systemic use include:

• Klymen;
• Klimonorm;
• Femoston;
• Divina;
• Trisequence.

For postmenopausal women, combination medications are prescribed continuously to avoid cyclic menstruation. The following drugs are used:

• Cliogest (2 mg estradiol, 1 mg norethisterone acetate);
• Livial (2.5 mg tibolone).

Estrogen monotherapy is prescribed only to women with a removed uterus. For replacement therapy with pure estrogens, the following are used:

• Proginova;
• Estrofem;
• Klimara.

There is a new class of modern drugs - selective estrogen receptor modulators. They have an effect similar to the effect of estrogens on bones and the cardiovascular system, but do not affect other tissues. That is, side effects on the uterus and mammary gland are excluded, the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer does not increase. The main representative of this group is Raloxifene.

Local therapy

Treatment may include the use of not only systemic but also local drugs. Medicines in the form of ointments, gels, and vaginal suppositories may be prescribed.

Local therapy helps with urogenital syndrome - dryness of the vaginal mucosa, pain and itching, urinary incontinence.

Vaginal suppositories or Ovestin gel, Estrogel cream are prescribed. The composition of local preparations includes estriol, which restores the pH and microflora of the vagina, the normal structure of the mucous membrane. At the same time, local drugs do not lead to endometrial proliferation or other side effects inherent in systemic therapy. Local therapy is prescribed in a maintenance mode for a period of more than 6 months.

Side effects of hormones

HRT not only has a positive effect on a woman’s condition, but also causes dangerous disorders in her body and side effects.

It could be:

• weakness, headache, fatigue;
• acne and seborrhea;
• muscle spasms in the lower extremities;
• increased appetite;
• weight gain;
• abdominal pain, nausea;
• soreness of the mammary glands, as well as the development of cancerous tumors in them;
• vaginal dryness, menstrual bleeding;
• thrombosis.

Hormonal drugs for menopause in women: side effects and contraindications

If the patient does not follow the doctor’s recommendations or the dose of the drug was incorrectly selected, the following side effects may occur:

• increased fatigue;
• emotional lability;
• swelling;
• weight gain;
• flatulence;
• mastopathy;
• breast tumors;
• severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome;
• painful menstruation;
• anovulatory menstrual cycle;
• development of benign tumors in the uterus and appendages;
• uterine bleeding;
• increased risk of stroke.

The following conditions are absolute contraindications to hormonal drugs:

• allergy to the components of the hormonal drug;
• malignant neoplasms of the mammary glands and female genital organs, including a history of;
• metrorrhagia;
• thrombophilia;
• stroke;
• myocardial infarction;
• varicose veins and blood clots in the veins of the lower extremities;
• increased blood coagulation;
• third stage hypertension;
• severe liver diseases (cirrhosis, liver failure, hepatitis);
• autoimmune diseases (scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus and others).

Relative contraindications include:

• endometriosis;
• uterine fibroids;
• migraine;
• epilepsy;
• precancerous diseases of the uterus and mammary glands;
• calculous cholecystitis and cholelithiasis.

Why do ladies refuse HRT?

Algorithm for prescribing hormones during menopause.

There are 2 main reasons why women believe that they do not need hormone replacement therapy:

1. Our ancestors were not treated for menopause and we will manage. Firstly, it is not menopause that is treated, but its symptoms, which reduce performance and worsen well-being. For example, hot flashes, headaches, insomnia, unreasonable irritability, depression, etc. Secondly, hormone replacement therapy started on time is an effective prevention of complications of menopause and the development of such common diseases after 50 years as osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and others.
2. Hormone-containing drugs contain synthetic hormones that will do more harm than good. In fact, such a statement is fundamentally wrong. Indeed, modern medications contain artificial hormones, but in their composition they are absolutely identical to female sex hormones synthesized by the ovaries. While hormones that are extracted from the blood of animals and plants are only similar to human hormones. Due to the difference in structure, they are absorbed less well.

As you can see, hormone replacement therapy does not cancel the onset of menopause. Menopause is inevitable for all women, but by taking hormonal medications, a woman will improve her quality of life.

Expert opinion

Roman Andreevich

Candidate of Medical Sciences, gynecologist-obstetrician, 14 years of work experience.

To get a consultation

Many women doubt whether they need to take hormone-containing medications during mild menopause. In this case, HRT is a prevention of possible diseases.

Regimens for taking hormonal drugs

Various regimens and regimens of hormonal therapy for menopause have been developed, used to eliminate early and late consequences associated with insufficiency or absence of ovarian hormonal function. The main recommended schemes are:

1. Short-term, aimed at preventing climacteric syndrome - hot flashes, psycho-emotional disorders, urogenital disorders, etc. The duration of treatment according to a short-term regimen ranges from three months to six months with the possibility of repeating courses.
2. Long-term - for 5-7 years or more. Its goal is the prevention of late disorders, which include osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease (the risk of its development decreases by 30%), heart and vascular diseases.

There are three modes of taking tablet drugs:

• monotherapy with estrogen or progestogen agents in a cyclic or continuous mode;
• biphasic and triphasic estrogen-gestagen drugs in cyclic or continuous mode;
• combination of estrogens and androgens.

Hormonal therapy for surgical menopause

It depends on the extent of the surgical intervention performed and the woman’s age:

1. After removal of the ovaries and a preserved uterus in women under 51 years of age, it is recommended to take a cyclic regimen of estradiol 2 mg with cypraterone 1 mg or levonorgestrel 0.15 mg, or medroxyprogesterone 10 mg, or dydrogesterone 10 mg, or estradiol 1 mg with dydrogesterone 10 mg.
2. Under the same conditions, but in women 51 years of age and older, as well as after high supravaginal amputation of the uterus with appendages - in monophasic mode, taking estradiol 2 mg with norethisterone 1 mg, or medroxyprogesterone 2.5 or 5 mg, or a dienost according to 2 mg, or drosirenone 2 mg, or estradiol 1 mg with dydrosterone 5 mg. In addition, it is possible to use Tibolone (belongs to the STEAR group of drugs) at 2.5 mg per day.
3. After surgical treatment of endometriosis with a risk of relapse - monophasic administration of estradiol with dienogest 2 mg or estradiol 1 mg with dydrogesterone 5 mg, or STEAR therapy.

Contraindications

Let's consider what are the main fears of the fair sex about hormonal treatment for menopause:

1. Women taking HRT always gain weight. One of the manifestations of hormonal changes during menopause is weight gain. With properly selected hormone-containing products, you can correct your hormonal levels, and thereby avoid weight gain.
2. Hormones cause hair to grow on the upper lip, beard and other unwanted places. Hair begins to grow against the background of decreased estrogen levels. Taking HRT, on the contrary, will prevent or stop this process.
3. HRT provokes cancer. The risk of developing cancer increases with an excess or deficiency of sex hormones. A properly selected drug normalizes hormonal levels, and thereby reduces this risk.
4. Hormones harm the liver, kidneys and stomach. HRT contains microdoses of sex hormones that do not significantly harm internal organs. But if there are pathologies in their work, then this serves as a contraindication to the prescription of hormonal pills. The woman is prescribed medications containing phytoestrogens - substances found in some plants and whose composition is very similar to female hormones. For stomach diseases, the doctor will prescribe the patient cutaneous and subcutaneous hormonal agents: gels, creams, implants, etc.
5. HRT is addictive. Hormones are not drugs and are not addictive. But taking artificial hormones irreversibly suppresses the synthesis of your own hormones.

It can be summarized that HRT has pros and cons. Incorrectly selected drugs containing high doses of estrogens without progesterone and vice versa can provoke side effects in the form of excess weight gain, thickening of the mammary glands, flatulence and others. Therefore, hormone therapy should only be prescribed by a doctor.

What pills can you take during menopause: phytohormonal therapy

Is there an alternative to hormonal drugs? Yes, scientists have found a way out of the situation by creating tablets based on substances of plant origin, whose structure resembles female estrogen. Such drugs are called phytoestrogens. They are able to alleviate a woman’s condition caused by menopausal syndrome, but do not cause such severe consequences.

Phytoestrogens are natural substances that are obtained from various plants. Scientists around the world continue to expand the list of herbs that can be used for these purposes.

Taking phytohormonal tablets is often the only solution for those women who, for some objective reason, are prohibited from taking HRT. They are able to completely replace human hormones, so their effectiveness is at a high level without contraindications or side effects (the exception is individual intolerance).

Tablets based on phytoestrogens have a more gentle effect on the body.

Taking non-hormonal medications also requires prior consultation with your doctor. He will help you choose the right pills so that they bring maximum benefit. You can get a free consultation or make an appointment with a doctor here https://45plus.rf/registration/.

Phytohormonal preparations do not affect the endocrine system, so only the amount of estrogen increases and other hormone-producing organs are not loaded. Their distinctive feature is their complete neutrality towards possible weight gain - a woman can take them safely, without fear of gaining weight. Natural components require more time for the effect to appear, but it is stable, long-lasting, without complications from the nervous and reproductive systems.

Possible complications

Long-term scientific studies of HRT drugs have shown that serious complications are possible during treatment. The risk persists even after hormones are discontinued.

Estrogen increases the risk of developing endometrial cancer. Drugs containing both progesterone and estrogen provoke the appearance of a malignant tumor in the mammary glands. The risk increases the longer a woman takes the medication. Additionally, hormone treatment increases the density of the mammary glands, which complicates the detection of tumors.

Combination drugs increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. After discontinuation of treatment, it decreases to normal.

In addition to cancer, HRT increases the risk of blood clots and gallstones.

Methods of using hormones

Many women choose to take oral hormones during menopause. The main advantages of hormonal pills:

If a woman has pathologies in the gastrointestinal tract and liver, hormonal pills will not be completely absorbed and their effectiveness will become less.

To avoid similar difficulties in the treatment of menopause, a transdermal method of using hormonal drugs . This option takes into account the use of patches that are attached to the skin and release the required dose of the hormone into the body. Using a patch for menopause has the following advantages:

• does not affect the functioning of the liver and gastrointestinal tract;
• maintains the required amount of hormones in the blood;
• combined with other drugs.

To cure menopause, hormonal drugs in the form of a subcutaneous implant, which are introduced into the body of the fair sex once every six months. A subcutaneous implant in the body of a representative of the fair sex maintains the necessary concentration of estrogen, releasing a certain dose of hormones into the blood. The disadvantage of this option for using hormonal drugs

It is considered a difficult operation to remove the implant from the body early.

In hormonal therapy, local vaginal products are also actively used - ointments, suppositories, creams. Similar hormonal drugs are prescribed to women with mild menopausal symptoms. Local remedies have no side effects, but are not always good to use.

Rating of hormonal drugs

Drugs for hormonal therapy for menopause are divided into 2 groups: estrogen-containing and combined (with progesterone). Most medications have a high rating.

All drugs for HRT contain estradiol. This is the leading hormone from the estrogen group. There are certain preparations with gestagen, a hormone that normalizes the irregular menstrual cycle. Some additionally contain the hormone progesterone.

Estrogens

They contain only one hormone – estrogen, which is necessary to support a woman’s health after removal of the uterus.

For therapy use:

• Premarin;
• Triaclim;
• Esterlan;
• Estrimax;
• Estrovel.

To obtain the desired result, you need to take tableted hormones only according to the regimen prescribed by your doctor.

Progestins

Combination medications contain estrogen and progesterone. Prescribed for unremoved uterus.

This:

• Divina;
• Klymen;
• Klimonorm;
• Ovidon;
• Angelique;
• Femoston.

The blister may contain 21 or 28 tablets.

What medications are safe for menopause?

You can now avoid the side effects that often cause hormonal pills during menopause! A new, completely safe remedy for menopausal women has appeared in pharmacies. This is an innovative development of Russian scientists - the drug Femo-Klim. It helps eliminate the lack of both estrogens and androgens, since both types of hormones are important for the female body. However, it itself is not a hormonal drug.

Along with the fact that it alleviates the symptoms of menopause, reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes, and generally improves the condition, the biocomplex prolongs your youth, preserves your waistline, and gives you the joy of a fulfilling sex life.

Femo-Klim has virtually no contraindications, except for individual intolerance to its components. It can be used for thrombophlebitis, liver diseases, endometriosis, varicose veins, endometrial polyps and some other pathologies that occur in most women after 40 years. It is important that replacement therapy drugs are strictly contraindicated for these diseases.

Femo-Klim phytocomplex is a truly unique drug, because it does not harm your health and has no side effects. At the same time, it is guaranteed to normalize your hormonal levels, which has the best effect on your well-being!

Anna Belikova on 12/01/2019 / Health

Tags: Femo-Klim, health

What examination will be needed?

Before the doctor prescribes a hormonal drug for a woman, she needs to undergo a comprehensive examination, which includes:

• blood test for the level of sex hormones and follicle-stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland;
• blood chemistry;
• gynecological examination, which includes a procedure for determining the thickness of the endometrium;
• mammography;
• blood pressure measurement;
• bone density test.

The doctor will also calculate the patient’s body mass index. After all, excess weight is a contraindication for HRT.

What hormones are missing during menopause?

Hormones during menopause decrease to a critical level, after which the woman stops menstruating. In the last stage of menopause, they cease to be secreted at all, because of this the function of the ovaries fades away. A decrease in the level of sex hormones leads to numerous metabolic disorders, which provokes such phenomena as nausea, tinnitus, and increased blood pressure.

There are three phases of menopause: premenopause, menopause, postmenopause. What unites them is the process of falling hormone levels. In the first half of the menstrual cycle, estrogen (female hubbub) predominates, in the second - progesterone (male). Perimenopause is characterized by a lack of estrogen, which leads to an irregular monthly cycle. During menopause, progesterone levels, which regulate the thickness of the uterine endometrium, fall. During postmenopause, hormone production stops completely, and the ovaries and uterus decrease in size.

Is it possible to replace hormonal treatment with herbal medicine?

Phytohormones are chemical substances produced by plants. Responsible for growth and development.

Many biologically active additives (BAS) containing phytohormones have been developed. Herbal preparations containing phytoestrogens are used in the treatment of menopause.

Where are they kept?

Phytoestrogens are of plant origin. Contained in some herbs and a number of foods.

Among the products are:

• soya beans;
• lentils;
• dates;
• grenades;
• nuts;
• apples;
• cherries;
• sunflower seeds;
• carrot;
• garlic.

During menopause, after all the necessary examinations, the doctor prescribes treatment based on symptoms. The manifestations of menopause are individual, as is the severity of the course. Hormonal drugs, herbal and homeopathic are prescribed.

At the end of the last century, hormone replacement therapy began to be used to treat menopause. Women called the drugs in this series “pills of eternal youth.” However, observations of patients have shown that these drugs have contraindications and cause a number of serious complications, including cancer.

Today, hormone therapy is prescribed:

• if there is no risk of developing ovarian cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer;
• no uterine fibroids;
• no uterine bleeding of unknown origin;
• in the absence of risks of thrombosis;
• no gallstone disease;
• no disturbances in liver function;
• no severe migraines;
• in the absence of genital pathologies;
• patients not older than 60 years;
• in the first 10 years from the last menstruation.

Before prescribing a hormonal drug, the doctor will recommend undergoing a thorough examination. All treatment will be carried out under the constant supervision of a specialist. This type of therapy is prescribed for severe menopause.

If the symptoms of menopausal syndrome are not pronounced or hormonal therapy is contraindicated, then treatment with phytohormones is used in the form of dietary supplements, vaginal suppositories and suppositories, and herbal preparations.

Homeopathic remedies have also been developed and used. The drugs contain diluted healing substances that trigger the immune system. They are made not only from botanical raw materials.

Statistics say: the earlier treatment begins, the easier the symptoms are. Doctors recommend starting treatment for menopause in the first six months after the first signs appear.

Herbal remedies for menopause give a good effect in case of moderate symptoms of the condition.

Advantages:

• the effect of drugs on organs and systems is insignificant;
• side effects are minimized;
• the risk of complications is very low;
• These drugs always have a complex composition (phytoestrogens, sedatives, vitamins).

Minuses

Over the course of many years of observations, it has been established that phytotoestrogens, if used incorrectly, can act as antiestrogens.

Therefore, among the disadvantages:

• individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
• possible complications during self-medication;
• long-term use (up to several years).

When using HRT, an allergic reaction or signs of individual intolerance to the drugs may occur. To avoid unpleasant symptoms, doctors recommend plant hormones. They also ease the symptoms of menopause.

Hormone replacement phytoestrogens include:

1. Klimadinon. The active ingredient is cosimifuga racemosa extract. Reduces the intensity of hot flashes, eliminates the lack of estrogen. Therapy lasts at least three months.
2. Femicaps. Contains soy lecithin, vitamins, magnesium, passionflower, primrose. Normalizes estrogen levels, corrects a woman’s psychological state, and improves mineral and vitamin balance.
3. Remens. Contains sepia, lachesis, cosimifuga extract. Has a general strengthening effect, eliminates the lack of estrogen. 2 courses are prescribed for 3 months.

How does hormone replacement therapy work?

Menopause is a natural period in a woman’s life that is associated with the depletion of follicle reserves in the ovaries. On average, menopause occurs at 50–55 years of age.

The ovaries stop producing estrogen, and the sensitivity to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) of the pituitary gland decreases. Because of this, menstruation stops and reproductive function fades. Estrogen receptors are not only found in the genitals, so during menopause the entire body suffers. The largest number of estrogen receptors are located in the following organs and systems:

• urogenital tract;
• heart and blood vessels;
• bone;
• central nervous system.

Estrogen deficiency leads to changes in all these organs. The principle of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is to replace lost hormonal function of the ovaries. Restoring normal estrogen levels helps protect estrogen-dependent organs from pathological changes.

Non-hormonal methods

An alternative to HRT are non-hormonal methods used when it is impossible to use hormonal medications. The group includes only natural phytoestrogens.

Vitamins

With a competent approach to the selection of supplements during menopause, doctors recommend taking additional vitamins.

It is advisable to use them to remove certain symptoms:

1. Vitamins E, C, group B. Indicated for hot flashes with redness of the skin and increased sweating.
2. Vitamin A. Reduces dryness and thinning of the vaginal mucosa.
3. Vitamin D. Necessary for the prevention of osteoporosis, changes in the mineral composition of bones.
4. Vitamins K, B6, E. Prevent skin aging. Normalizes night sleep and a woman’s mood.

Dietary supplements and vitamins are not able to have a negative effect and cause harm to the body. They do not contribute to the development of malignant tumors and blood clots in blood vessels.

Treatment of menopause with non-hormonal drugs

Experts today have differing opinions about the advisability of hormone therapy. In addition, many women refuse to take hormone-containing drugs because they are afraid of their side effects, do not have the financial ability to constantly buy them, or for other reasons.

In such cases, you can use treatment for menopause without hormones, which consists of the use of phytohormones, homeopathic medicines, dietary supplements, etc.

Homeopathic remedies for menopause

Homeopathy for menopause is very popular. The effect of homeopathic remedies is based on the activation of the body’s natural mechanisms. Patients are prescribed small doses of substances that, in large doses, can lead to negative consequences.

Homeopathic medicines will help eliminate symptoms of menopause such as:

• hyperhidrosis (increased sweating);
• menopausal vertigo (dizziness);
• hot flashes during menopause;
• dryness of the vaginal mucous membranes;
• mood swings;
• weight gain and others.

The benefits of homeopathy for menopause include the following:

• natural origin of components;
• relatively low cost;
• there are practically no side effects, only allergies to the components of the product;
• safety of use in the elderly.

Let's consider the most effective homeopathic remedies used for menopause.

• Remens – 580 rubles. The drug consists of soybean phytohormones, which activate the synthesis of sex hormones at the level of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Remens effectively relieves a woman of hot flashes during menopause and prevents the appearance of vaginitis. In addition, with the help of Remens you can prevent urinary incontinence and cystitis during menopause.
• Estrovel - 385 rubles. This drug contains phytoestrogens from soy and wild yam, as well as a complex of vitamins and microelements. Estrovel allows you to reduce the number and intensity of hot flashes and sweating.
• Feminal – 670 rubles. This drug contains liquid extracts of nettle, oregano, celandine, hawthorn, shepherd's purse herb, centaury, St. John's wort, thyme, celandine and calendula. Feminal helps get rid of hot flashes, excessive sweating, psycho-emotional lability and dizziness during menopause, and women do not recover from this medicine.
• Climaxin – 120 rubles. This preparation consists of sepia, lachesis and black cohosh. The action of Climaxin is aimed mainly at regulating vegetative-vascular disorders (insomnia, irritability, palpitations, excessive sweating, dizziness) during menopause.
• Klimakt-Hel – 400 rubles. This drug perfectly eliminates the symptoms caused by menopause.

What are phytohormones

Hormone replacement therapy has many advantages, but there are also disadvantages. Only a specialist should prescribe hormonal drugs after a full medical examination.

The patient needs to come for examination every six months. If side effects occur, the doctor will be able to revise the dose of the medicine, replace the drug, change the treatment regimen, or cancel HRT. We wish you good health!

Share your experience of taking hormonal medications during menopause.

Where are they kept?

How to choose hormonal pills during menopause

If a woman does not have health problems during menopause, then there is no need to take hormone replacement medications. HRT is carried out only after consultation with a doctor, since medications have side effects. There are frequent cases of individual intolerance and allergic reactions. The safest are herbal and homeopathic medicines. But they do not help all patients, so clinical indications and consultation with a doctor are required.

All hormonal drugs can be purchased in the pharmacy chain at different prices or purchased in an online store (order from the catalog). In the latter version, the drugs will be inexpensive. Prices for phytoestrogens range from 400 rubles (Klimadinon tablets 60 pcs.) to 2400 rubles. (Femicaps capsules 120 pcs.). The cost of drugs with estrogen varies from 650 rubles (Klimonorm tablets 21 pcs.) to 1400 rubles. (Ovestin 1 mg/g 15 g cream).

Reviews

Nina, 51 years old, Pskov: “When menopause began, my health worsened. I began to have difficulty falling asleep, mood swings intensified, and nervousness appeared. She had many chronic pathologies. I reported them to the doctor. Vitamin B9 and dietary supplements were prescribed. The condition has improved noticeably."

Nadezhda, 45 years old, Malaya Vishera: “I have early menopause. My health has worsened; at work I feel embarrassed about hot flashes and hot flashes. Passed the examination. The doctor prescribed hormone therapy with new generation tablets. He said that I need to come for an examination once every 6 months. I feel fine."

Svetlana, 53 years old, Orsk: “I suffered from headaches and hot flashes for more than 2 years. I was afraid to take hormones because I learned that my weight might increase. In a pre-infarction state, I was taken to the hospital, where they prescribed hormonal therapy. Thanks to the doctors for prescribing the latest generation drugs. I advise all women to listen only to specialists and not to self-medicate.”

Opinions for and against the use of HRT during menopause are divided. Many patients do not trust even the new generation of drugs. Experts are confident that timely treatment will only bring benefits.

New generation drugs prescribed for HRT during menopause can very smoothly remove the unpleasant symptoms of menopause and do not harm a woman’s health.

New generation HRT drugs

HRT drugs for menopause have always caused controversy for and against. Let's dispel several myths about the unnaturalness and danger of HRT for women's health.

• HRT drugs have gone through a long journey of testing and research. We can consider ourselves lucky - only new generation drugs reach our shelves, which can only be produced by serious pharmacological companies.
• Hormone replacement drugs of the modern generation are completely natural - they have a composition of hormones identical to those produced by the female body.
• The dosage of hormones in the drug is minimal. There is no addiction to hormonal drugs. This is just a remedy that helps a woman survive hormonal changes. After discussing with your doctor, medications can be stopped at any time.
• During menopause, the body does not stop producing male hormones. Natural estrogens, which are included in the main composition of all HRT preparations, are female. It is their production that stops during menopause. Taking female hormones neutralizes the effect of male hormones: it will stop hair growth in unnecessary places, allow you to maintain female shapes and proportions, improve the condition of your skin, and prevent snoring.
• The hormones that make up HRT do not lead to obesity. On the contrary, they stop the production of estrogen in adipose tissue. It is not the use of HRT that leads to obesity during menopause, but the age-related prerequisites for this: physical activity decreases, metabolism slows down.
• Many people are afraid to take HRT, believing that they have a bad effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Modern hormonal drugs do not affect the gastrointestinal tract in any way, and for those who are very afraid for their stomach, alternative forms of the drug have been released - patches, gels, ointments and suppositories, which are absorbed through the skin.
• HRT contains components that prevent cancer, rather than provoke it. The hormonal cause of cancer due to HRT use has not been proven.

A woman who takes hormonal medications during menopause must be observed by a doctor: monitor the condition of the endometrium and vaginal mucosa, mammary glands, hormone levels, etc.

The effect of menopause on the body

During menopause, the body experiences a deficiency of sex hormones - estrogens.

A woman may experience the following problems:

1. Tides.
2. Headaches, dizziness.
3. Sleep disturbance.
4. Psycho-emotional disturbances: frequent mood swings, attacks of fear and panic, depression.
5. Feeling of a lump in the throat.
6. Absent-mindedness, inability to concentrate.
7. Changes in the nature of the vaginal mucosa, which may be accompanied by itching.
8. Disruption of the genitourinary organs.
9. Dysfunction of muscle tone.

Hormonal imbalance leads to changes in appearance.

The woman remarks:

1. Increase in waist size. This may be a consequence of weight gain or redistribution of body weight.
2. The skin loses its elasticity and fades.
3. Muscles become less elastic.
4. Calcium deficiency, which affects the skeletal system, often manifests itself in changes in gait.
5. Sweat secretions are more intense, which also manifests itself in a change in its smell.
6. Hair loss is often very severe.

Hormonal background

Estrogens (primarily estradiol) are female sex hormones. They are responsible for many body processes, but primarily for the reproductive function. Most of them are produced by the ovaries.

Lack of estrogen manifests itself as follows:

• the supply of follicles, the number of which was laid down at the birth of a girl, is depleted;
• egg maturation becomes less frequent;
• the menstrual cycle fails;
• menstruation stops.

With the onset of menopause, estrogen production occurs in the adrenal glands and adipose tissue.

At the same time, the production of another very important hormone for the female body, progesterone, decreases. Its functions are very diverse. Among other things, it is responsible for renewing the epithelial layers of the uterus and maintaining pregnancy.

The hypothalamus (part of the brain), reacting to a lack of hormones, tries to instruct the ovaries to produce estrogen. There is a malfunction in the functioning of all systems and organs. Climacteric syndrome is observed.

What you need to know about hormonal changes during menopause

The climacteric period is divided into the following stages, which are also called phases:

1. Premenopause – this stage normally begins at 45 years of age. If it occurs earlier, then doctors diagnose the woman with early menopause. Hormonal changes begin in the female body, which provokes the appearance of specific symptoms: hot flashes, excessive sweating, unreasonable irritability, and a number of others. But the very first symptoms of menopause are changes in the menstrual cycle. The length of the cycle, the number of piquant days and the volume of menstrual flow change.
2. Menopause or menopause normally occurs after 50 years. Essentially, menopause refers to the last period of your period. The gynecologist ascertains its onset when there have been no periods for a whole year after menstruation. When menopause occurs after 55 years, it is a late menopause.
3. Postmenopause – this stage lasts until the end of a woman’s life. There are no periods on it normally.

Thus, during menopause, in fact, only two key events occur in the female body. Firstly, the ovaries gradually stop synthesizing female hormones: progesterone and estrogens.

In addition to the ovaries, these hormones are produced in small quantities by the adrenal cortex. Secondly, the body adapts to low levels of sex hormones and begins to function differently.

Tablets with herbal estrogen substitutes

Whatever treatment a woman chooses, it can only begin after visiting a doctor.

Lignarius

Lignans are chemicals found in plant cell walls. They have weak estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity. Reinforced with European spruce extract. Used to improve general condition.

Estrovel

Non-hormonal remedy.

Contains:

• nettle leaves;
• wild yam root;
• soy;
• black cohosh;
• fruits of the sacred vitex.

Taking Estrovel helps:

• reduce the frequency of hot flashes;
• fight changes in blood pressure;
• reduce the intensity of migraine attacks;
• fight against dizziness;
• reduce the feeling of fatigue;
• calm your nerves;
• improve mood;
• restore sexual activity.

Has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. Helps prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Qi-Klim

The composition contains phytoestrogens of black cohosh. The uniqueness of their mechanism of action is that they do not bind to the body’s estrogen receptors and therefore are not able to increase the risk of developing female estrogen-dependent cancers (uterine cancer, breast cancer). At the same time, like other phytoestrogens, they help effectively eliminate the manifestations of estrogen deficiency and menopausal syndrome.

With menopausal symptoms, black cohosh helps:

• improve overall well-being;
• fight skin aging;
• improve the body's water balance.

Should you take hormones during menopause, or 10 myths about HRT

After the age of 45, women’s ovarian function begins to gradually decline, which means the production of sex hormones decreases. Along with a decrease in estrogen and progesterone in the blood comes a deterioration in physical and emotional condition. Menopause is ahead. And almost every woman begins to worry about the question: what can she take during menopause so as not to age?

In these difficult times, hormone replacement therapy comes to the aid of the modern woman. Since estrogen deficiency develops during menopause, these hormones have become the basis for all HRT medications. The first myth about HRT is associated with estrogens.

Myth No. 1. HRT is unnatural

There are hundreds of queries on the Internet on the topic: how to replenish estrogen for a woman after 45-50 years. No less popular are inquiries about whether herbal remedies are used for menopause. Unfortunately, few people know that:

• HRT preparations contain only natural estrogens.
• Today they are obtained by chemical synthesis.
• Synthesized natural estrogens are perceived by the body as their own due to complete chemical identity with the estrogens produced by the ovaries.

And what could be more natural for a woman than her own hormones, analogues of which are taken to treat menopause?

Some might argue that herbal remedies are more natural. They contain molecules that are similar in structure to estrogens, and they act on receptors in a similar way. However, their action is not always effective in relieving the early symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, increased sweating, migraines, blood pressure surges, insomnia, etc.). They also do not protect against the consequences of menopause: obesity, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, etc. In addition, their effect on the body (for example, on the liver and mammary glands) has not been well studied and medicine cannot vouch for their safety.

Myth No. 2. HRT is addictive

Hormone replacement therapy for menopause is just a replacement for the lost hormonal function of the ovaries. HRT drugs are not drugs; they do not disrupt the natural processes in a woman’s body. Their task is to compensate for estrogen deficiency, restore the balance of hormones, and also improve overall well-being. You can stop taking the medications at any time. True, it is better to consult a gynecologist before this.

Among the misconceptions about HRT, there are truly crazy myths that we get used to from our youth.

Myth No. 3. HRT will make a mustache grow

The negative attitude towards hormonal drugs in Russia arose quite a long time ago and has already moved to the subconscious level. Modern medicine has come a long way, but many women still trust outdated information.

The synthesis and use of hormones in medical practice began in the 50s of the 20th century. A real revolution was made by glucocorticoids (adrenal hormones), which combined powerful anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects. However, doctors soon noticed that they affected body weight and even contributed to the manifestation of masculine characteristics in women (the voice became rougher, excess hair growth began, etc.).

Much has changed since then. Preparations of other hormones (thyroid, pituitary, female and male) were synthesized. And the type of hormones has changed. Modern medications contain hormones that are as “natural” as possible, and this makes it possible to significantly reduce their dose. Unfortunately, all the negative qualities of outdated high-dose drugs are attributed to new, modern ones. And this is completely unfair.

The most important thing is that HRT preparations contain exclusively female sex hormones, and they cannot cause “masculinity.”

I would like to draw your attention to one more point. A woman's body always produces male sex hormones. And that's okay. They are responsible for a woman’s vitality and mood, interest in the world and sex drive, as well as the beauty of her skin and hair.

When ovarian function declines, female sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone) stop being replenished, while male sex hormones (androgens) are still produced. In addition, they are also produced by the adrenal glands. That's why you shouldn't be surprised that older ladies sometimes need to pluck their mustache and chin hair. And HRT drugs have absolutely nothing to do with it.

Myth No. 4. People get better from HRT

Another unfounded fear is gaining weight while taking hormone replacement therapy drugs. But everything is quite the opposite. Prescribing HRT during menopause can have a positive effect on women's curves and shapes. HRT contains estrogens, which generally have no ability to influence changes in body weight. As for gestagens (these are derivatives of the hormone progesterone), which are part of the new generation of HRT drugs, they help distribute adipose tissue “according to the female principle” and allow you to maintain a feminine figure during menopause.

Don’t forget about the objective reasons for weight gain in women after 45. First: at this age, physical activity noticeably decreases. And second: the influence of hormonal changes. As we have already written, female sex hormones are produced not only in the ovaries, but also in adipose tissue. During menopause, the body tries to reduce the lack of female sex hormones by producing them in fatty tissues. Fat is deposited in the abdominal area, and the figure begins to resemble a man’s. As you can see, HRT drugs do not play any role in this matter.

Myth No. 5. HRT can cause cancer

The idea that taking hormones can cause cancer is an absolute misconception. There is official data on this topic. According to the World Health Organization, thanks to the use of hormonal contraceptives and their oncoprotective effect, about 30 thousand cases of cancer can be prevented annually. Indeed, estrogen monotherapy increased the risk of endometrial cancer. But such treatment is far in the past. The new generation of HRT drugs includes progestogens, which prevent the risk of developing endometrial cancer (body of the uterus).

As for breast cancer, there has been plenty of research on the effect of HRT on its occurrence. This issue has been seriously studied in many countries around the world. Especially in the USA, where HRT drugs began to be used back in the 50s of the 20th century. It has been proven that estrogens, the main component of HRT preparations, are not oncogenes (that is, they do not unblock the gene mechanisms of tumor growth in the cell).

Myth No. 6. HRT is bad for the liver and stomach

There is an opinion that a sensitive stomach or liver problems may be a contraindication for HRT. This is wrong. New generation HRT drugs do not irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and do not have a toxic effect on the liver. It is necessary to limit the use of HRT drugs only in cases where there are pronounced liver dysfunctions. And after the onset of remission, it is possible to continue HRT. Also, taking HRT drugs is not contraindicated for women with chronic gastritis or peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum. Even during seasonal exacerbations, you can take tablets as usual. Of course, simultaneously with therapy prescribed by a gastroenterologist and under the supervision of a gynecologist. For women who are especially concerned about their stomach and liver, special forms of HRT preparations are produced for topical use. These may be skin gels, patches or nasal sprays.

Myth No. 7. If there are no symptoms, then HRT is not needed

Life after menopause is not immediately burdened by unpleasant symptoms and a sharp deterioration in well-being for all women. In 10 - 20% of the fair sex, the autonomic system is resistant to hormonal changes and therefore for some time they are spared from the most unpleasant manifestations during menopause. If there are no hot flashes, this does not mean at all that you do not need to see a doctor and let the course of menopause take its course.

The serious consequences of menopause develop slowly and sometimes completely unnoticed. And when after 2 years or even 5-7 years they begin to appear, it becomes much more difficult to correct them. Here are just a few of them: dry skin and brittle nails; hair loss and bleeding gums; decreased sexual desire and vaginal dryness; obesity and cardiovascular diseases; osteoporosis and osteoarthritis and even senile dementia.

Myth No. 8. HRT has many side effects

Only 10% of women feel some discomfort when taking HRT drugs. Those who smoke and are overweight are most susceptible to unpleasant sensations. In such cases, swelling, migraines, swelling and tenderness of the breast are noted. Usually these are temporary problems that disappear after reducing the dosage or changing the dosage form of the drug.

It is important to remember that HRT cannot be carried out independently without medical supervision. Each specific case requires an individual approach and constant monitoring of results. Hormone replacement therapy has a specific list of indications and contraindications. Only a doctor, after conducting a number of studies, will be able to select the correct treatment. When prescribing HRT, the doctor observes the optimal balance between the principles of “usefulness” and “safety” and calculates at what minimum doses of the drug the maximum result will be achieved with the least risk of side effects.

Myth No. 9. HRT is unnatural

Is it necessary to argue with nature and replenish sex hormones lost over time? Of course you need it! The heroine of the legendary film “Moscow Doesn’t Believe in Tears” claims that after forty, life is just beginning. And indeed it is. A modern woman at the age of 45+ can live a life no less interesting and eventful than in her youth.

Hollywood star Sharon Stone turned 58 years old in 2020 and she is sure that there is nothing unnatural in a woman’s desire to remain young and active for as long as possible: “When you are 50, you feel that you have a chance to start life again: a new career, a new love ... At this age we know so much about life! You may be tired of what you did for the first half of your life, but that doesn't mean you should sit back and play golf in your backyard. We are too young for this: 50 is the new 30, a new chapter.”

Myth No. 10. HRT is an understudied treatment method

The experience of using HRT abroad is more than half a century, and all this time the technique has been subjected to serious control and detailed study. Gone are the days when endocrinologists, through trial and error, searched for optimal methods, regimens and dosages of hormonal drugs for menopause. Hormone replacement therapy came to Russia only 15-20 years ago. Our compatriots still perceive this treatment method as little studied, although this is far from the case. Today we have the opportunity to use proven and highly effective remedies with a minimum number of side effects.