Uncover the complexities and latest advancements in menopause treatment, focusing on the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Dive deep into the benefits of balancing oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels for managing menopausal symptoms and improving metabolic health.

Key takeaways

• Menopause is a significant phase in a woman's life characterised by fluctuating levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, resulting in diverse symptoms.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help alleviate these symptoms, but it has been subject to controversy over the years.
• The Women’s Health Initiative study in 2002, which reported adverse effects from HRT, was later found to have some methodological issues.
• Current research emphasises the use of bioidentical hormones in HRT for their potential to reduce menopausal symptoms and negative impacts of hormone decline.
• Testosterone replacement during menopause is gaining attention for its potential benefits.

The onset of menopause marks a new rhythm in a woman's life, characterised by changing levels of three hormones — oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The perimenopause phase, during which these fluctuations are most intense, can lead to various symptoms.

Hormone-related symptoms in menopause

The hormonal changes during menopause are the source of many symptoms experienced. It's important to note that all women experience the menopause transition differently, so please speak to your doctor to get an effective treatment plan.

Oestrogen deficiency symptoms

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Aching joints and muscle
• Palpitations
• Mood changes including irritability, depression, and tearfulness
• Bladder weakness
• Brain fog
• Lighter periods
• Loss of libido
• Insulin resistance
• Increased belly fat

Progesterone deficiency symptoms

• Poor sleep quality
• Muscle tension
• Irritability and anxiety
• Heavier and irregular periods
• Sore breasts
• Fluid retention
• Bleeding gums

Testosterone deficiency symptoms

• Weight gain
• Muscle loss
• Loss of libido
• Fatigue

There's a noticeable overlap of symptoms as these hormones interrelate significantly.

What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

HRT is a menopause treatment option used to supplement the body with hormones. It is commonly used to treat symptoms of menopause in women when the natural levels of these hormones decrease.

HRT can help in relieving menopausal symptoms by replacing the hormones that are at lower levels as a result of menopause. There are different types of HRT, which are chosen based on the individual's needs and whether they've gone through menopause completely.

While this may seem an intuitive step for women experiencing poor mental and physical health during menopause, it has stirred a considerable amount of controversy and misunderstanding among doctors.

The usage of HRT was widespread until 2002, when the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study reported side effects and increased risks of breast cancer, stroke, blood clots, and heart disease in HRT users. The report led to a massive decline in HRT use.

Subsequent studies of the WHI study data identified some methodological flaws. The average age for starting HRT in the study was 63, whereas the normal starting age is around 50-52. Additionally, the study used synthetic hormones, which potentially influenced the outcomes.

Emerging research now prefers bioidentical hormones instead of synthetic variations. Natural oestrogen and progesterone, given in small doses, may reduce symptoms and the long-term negative impact of hormone decline.

The role of testosterone in menopause treatment

Australian researcher, Dr Susan Davies, has been pioneering research into testosterone replacement for women during and after menopause. Testosterone deficiency during menopause can lead to decreased libido, unsatisfactory orgasms, hypo-arousal, reduced muscle mass, strength, vitality, and metabolic issues, among others.

Replacing testosterone can potentially address these issues, improve interpersonal relationships, self-confidence, sexual satisfaction, and metabolic health. It may also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

HRT preparations

Some common types of menopausal hormone therapy preparations include:

• Natural oestrogens: Estrodot, Sandrena, Estrogel, and Estro-combi
• Progesterone: Prometrium and Estro-combi
• Testosterone: Androfeme

Advancements in menopause medication and menopause hormone therapy show promise in improving the quality of life for women during this challenging phase. The use of bioidentical hormones, specifically testosterone, has been a critical area of focus in the research.

It’s important to seek professional help from your doctor when considering if HRT is right for you.

For women going through menopause, managing glucose control is crucial. This is where Vively, a metabolic health app, comes into the picture. Vively, designed with the latest evidence-based research, aids users in monitoring their glucose levels, crucial for managing insulin resistance — one of the many symptoms of menopause. Using Vively could supplement menopause treatment and medication, providing valuable insights into your metabolic health.