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Hormone therapy is used to manage menopause symptoms and can
relieve:
• Hot flashes
• Mood swings
• Vaginal atrophy (dryness)
• Sleep issues, such as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep
Estradiol is a form of estrogen that comes in pill, patch, cream or vaginal
preparations.
Hormone Therapy
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Hormone Therapy
Candidates for therapy are:
• Women in their late 40s or 50s with moderate to severe vasomotor
symptoms
• 50-59 years of age
• In good health
Hormone therapy is not recommended for women with a history of heart
disease, breast cancer, blood clots, previous stroke or liver disease.
Talk to your doctor about the best plan for you.
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Hormone Therapy
Use the lowest dose of estrogen possible for the shortest time
possible.
This minimizes risks, which include blood clots and strokes.
Risks are rare in ages 50-59. The risk of complications for healthy,
young menopausal women who take hormone therapy for 5 years
is low.
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• The best method for you
• The smallest amount you can take
• Cost
• When to seek follow-up care
• Healthy lifestyle changes
If you’re considering hormone therapy, talk to your doctor about:
Hormone Therapy
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• Brisdelle (Paxil) – a non-hormonal treatment for moderate to
severe hot flashes
• Antidepressants (Effexor or Lexapro)
• Gabapentin – take at bedtime, may cause drowsiness. Can also
treat epilepsy and migraines.
Non-hormonal Therapies (Prescription)
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Bio-identical Hormones
Bio-identical hormones are compounds that have same chemical and
molecular structure as hormones produced by the body.
More research is needed to understand the risks and benefits of these
treatments. They are not regulated by the FDA.
8. Non-Prescription Therapies
Catholic Health WomenCare l WomenCareWNY.org
8
Herbs can help to reduce hot flashes and improve your mood.
• Black cohosh
• Red clover
• Ginseng
• Vitamins
Although these medicines are natural and are sold over-the-counter, they
may interfere with prescription medications that you are already taking. For
instance, they can make statin medications for high cholesterol less effective.
Please consult your doctor before use.
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More Information
• www.womenshealth.gov/menopause
• www.menopause.org
• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• www.nams.org
• www.acog.org
• www.amfoundation.org
• www.mayoclinic.org
Hinweis der Redaktion
Estrogen use for women who have had hysterectomy- show models.
Or Combined estrogen- progestin therapy for women who have an intact uterus.
Estrogen is most effective for hot flashes.
. Breast cancer increased with 5 or more years of therapy.
Due to results of the WHI, hormone therapy is not recommended to prevent disease.
.
Consider current meds and OTC meds.
Talk to MD about pros and cons.
One size does not fit all!
Hormone therapy: based on personal and family history
Personal approach: Symptoms, age at menopause, FH and past Medical history.
window of opportunity.
Bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Actonel) First line treatment for osteoporosis. Estrogen is reasonable if cannot tolerate
Rule of thumb with hormone therapy is lowest for the least
Brisdelle: Paxil or paroxetine. 7.5 mg
10 mg (generic) for 50% price.
Weight gain. s/s.
**Should not take if u take tamoxifen for breast cancer.
Not for depression.
Antidepressants: Effexor or lexapro.
Gabapentin: 100-300 mg hs less se wih lower dose- may cause drowsiness (bedtime).
Can treat epilepsy and migraines.
NAMS and ACOG continue to discuss pros and cons. ( womens health experts)
Natural is not always safer
Made from soy and yams. Look for products made in North america.
No good clinical trials and not regulated by the FDA.
Need more data for patient safety
NAMS does not suggest saliva testing to determine hormone levels.
Refer to patient handout.
Most refer to custom made compounded formulas.
Nams: Govt approved are a good option for many women.
Black cohosh reduce hf in some studies, may be liver probs (Remifemin)
Red clover no scientific studies say is useful for hf studies continue
Ginseng mood and sleep not for hot flashes
Promensil (soy isoflavones) may reduce hot flashes in some studies.
Vitaman E and B vitamins
Folic acid
Tell MD WHAT VITAMINS YOU are taking.
Stop 2 weeks before surgery.
May interact regular meds.
www.nams.org