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What is Hormone Therapy in Menopause (HT)?
Hormone Therapy in Menopause (HT) is a medical treatment designed to alleviate symptoms associated with the decrease in female sex hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone, during menopause. It replenishes these hormones to improve quality of life and prevent certain long-term health conditions. The types of hormones and administration routes vary according to each patient's individual needs.
Who is HT indicated for?
HT is indicated for women experiencing moderate to severe menopausal symptoms that significantly affect their daily lives. These may include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and decreased bone density. The decision to initiate HT is always made after a thorough medical evaluation.
Not all women are candidates for HT. There are contraindications, such as a history of certain types of cancer (especially breast cancer), cardiovascular disease, or liver disease. A detailed medical consultation is essential to determine the suitability of this treatment.
Benefits and risks of HT
The benefits of HT include a significant improvement in vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) and urogenital symptoms (vaginal dryness, discomfort during sexual intercourse). It can also contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis and, in some cases, improve mood and sleep quality. Results may vary among individuals.
Like any medical treatment, HT carries potential risks. These may include a slight increase in the risk of blood clots, strokes, and, in some cases, breast cancer, depending on the type and duration of therapy. Initial medical evaluation and continuous monitoring are essential to minimize these risks.
| Common Benefits of HT | Possible Risks of HT |
|---|---|
| Relief from hot flashes and night sweats | Slightly increased risk of blood clots |
| Improvement in vaginal dryness and discomfort | Increased risk of stroke |
| Osteoporosis prevention | Possible increased risk of breast cancer (with some therapies) |
| Improved sleep and mood | Fluid retention or breast tenderness |
How to start HT and what to expect
The first step is a comprehensive medical consultation with a specialist. During this appointment, your medical history will be reviewed, a physical examination will be performed, and diagnostic tests, such as blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, will be requested. Our medical team will explain the available treatment options and help you make an informed decision.
Once treatment has begun, follow-up visits will be scheduled to adjust doses and monitor your response and potential side effects. HT is a long-term treatment, and the duration and type of therapy are re-evaluated periodically. Results in symptom relief are usually observed within the first few weeks or months.
According to the Spanish Association for the Study of Menopause (AEEM), more than 80% of women experience menopausal symptoms, and a significant proportion seek relief through hormone therapy.
Types of HT
There are different HT regimens, which may include estrogen-only therapy (for women without a uterus) or combined estrogen and progesterone therapy (for women with a uterus). Hormones can be administered in various ways:
- Oral route: Daily tablets.
- Transdermal route: Patches or gels applied to the skin.
- Vaginal route: Creams, ovules, or rings for localized urogenital symptoms.
The choice of route and type of hormones is personalized for each patient, seeking the greatest efficacy with the lowest possible risk.
How Santé Clínica Estética approaches it
At Santé Clínica Estética, we understand that menopause is a natural stage but can present significant challenges. Our approach is comprehensive and medical, always led by Dr. Sol Monsalve, our Medical Director, and her team of board-certified doctors. We offer an initial medical consultation (€50) for a thorough assessment of your health status, history, and symptoms.
We design a personalized protocol that may include not only hormone therapy but also complementary aesthetic treatments to address concerns related to skin, hair, and general well-being that arise during menopause. Our priority is your well-being, and therefore, each plan is adapted to your specific needs, with continuous follow-up. We speak Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Russian for your convenience.
Key points
- HT replenishes hormones to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- It is for moderate to severe symptoms, after medical evaluation.
- It offers benefits for vasomotor and urogenital symptoms, and bone prevention.
- It carries risks that must be discussed with a doctor.
- Treatment is personalized and requires medical follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
Is HT the same as hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
Yes, the terms Hormone Therapy in Menopause (HT) and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) are used interchangeably to describe the same treatment. Both refer to the administration of hormones to compensate for the natural decrease during menopause.
How long can HT be used?
The duration of HT treatment is individualized and decided in consultation with your doctor. Generally, it is recommended to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time to control symptoms, although for some women the benefits may outweigh the long-term risks. Periodic reviews are conducted to re-evaluate the need and safety of the treatment.
Does HT prevent facial aging?
While HT can have positive effects on skin quality by improving hydration and elasticity, it is not a direct aesthetic treatment for facial aging. To address wrinkles, sagging, or volume loss, there are aesthetic medicine treatments such as collagen stimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse), HIFU, or hyaluronic acid fillers, which can be complemented with HT under medical supervision.
Do I need a gynecologist to start HT?
Yes, HT must always be prescribed and supervised by a medical specialist, preferably a gynecologist or a doctor experienced in women's health and menopause. At Santé Clínica Estética, our Medical Director, Dr. Sol Monsalve, is qualified to offer this assessment and treatment.
