Heavy, painful periods are a difficult part of the transition into menopause that may be eased through hormone supplementation. The naturally occurring female hormones estrogen and progesterone are augmented using hormone replacement therapy to control period symptoms.
Significance
The onset of menopause results in a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone in the ovaries, leading to bad periods for many women. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is often prescribed to supplement decreased hormonal production and ease the body's painful withdrawal symptoms during the transition.
Function
Estrogen and progesterone are taken orally to supplement a reduced supply in the body. The female body may respond to initial dosing with severe bleeding or cramping, but symptoms are often controlled and regulated after a month of dosing.
Considerations
Hormone replacement therapy is sometimes used to regulate the supply of hormones in non-menopausal women with severe period symptoms. This should always be done under the supervision of a medical professional, as there are numerous risks, including increased chance of blood clots, heart attack and stroke.
Benefits
Women taking hormones in higher quantities than their body has experienced in years may have a few beneficial side effects. Small increases in breast tissue size along with skin softness and higher levels of energy may occur in some women on hormone replacement programs.
Limitations
The effects of a bad period are often felt in both physical and mental distress. Although hormone replacement therapy is known to increase blood flow to the brain, scientific studies have not yet concluded that it is helpful in the reduction of mental stress and dementia related to menses.
Tags: replacement therapy, estrogen progesterone, hormone replacement, period symptoms, with severe