Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy: Am I a Good Candidate?

There are a lot of questions that arise when a woman reaches menopause. One of the questions has to do with whether or not there are individuals unfit for hormone replacement therapy. Generally, menopausal women are those who have not had their period for a single year. However, the changes and symptoms of menopause can start many years later. In this article, we look at whether you're a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy.

Are You a Good Candidate for Hormone Replacement Therapy?

It's not in all cases where doctors will use hormone replacement therapy for those dealing with menopause. There are alternative treatments like lifestyle changes, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medicines. You must consult with your doctor and find out if hormone replacement therapy would be the best treatment for you.

When to Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is mainly recommended if you are experiencing menopausal symptoms that are affecting your quality of life.

Your doctor will suggest hormone replacement therapy if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Painful sexual intercourse,
• Night sweats.

There are other factors that will also contribute to whether or not you are a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy. These include:

• Having a family history of colon cancer and osteoporosis
• Experiencing early menopause before you reach the age of 40.
• If you have had your ovaries removed before the age of 45.
• If you have experienced early menopause due to chemotherapy or radiation before the age of 45.
• If you have tried other forms of treatment and did not respond well.

When is Hormone Replacement Therapy Not Recommended?

There are conditions that render you a not-so-good candidate for hormone replacement therapy. These include:

• Individuals experiencing mild menopause symptoms like occasional hot flashes and night sweats.
• Those with a family history of osteoporosis.
• If you have had/have heart disease, breast cancer, liver disease, or if you have a history of blood clotting disorders or stroke.

Hormone replacement therapy can cause blood clots. It is therefore not advisable to get the treatment if you have a blood clotting disorder or if you are at a high risk of getting a stroke. You must talk to your doctor and find out how your particular condition like heart disease can remove hormone replacement therapy for the choice of treatments.