Menopause needs to be taken seriously, and sex hormone therapy is the first choice

Sex hormones play a vital role in women's health and physiological functions. However, as women age, their sex hormone levels may decline, causing a series of uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. Sex hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment that can effectively relieve these symptoms and help women regain the joy and vitality of life.

1. What is menopause?

Menopause is a popular term, but in medicine it is called perimenopause. It refers to the period from when women’s menstruation starts to become irregular after the age of 40 to one year after menopause. If a woman still does not have her menstruation 12 months after her last menstrual period, excluding pregnancy and other diseases, she can be clinically diagnosed as menopausal. One year after menopause is called postmenopause. As women’s life expectancy increases, postmenopause can last for three or four decades.

The essence of menopause is the decline of female ovarian function. With the decline of ovarian function and the decrease of female estrogen, more than 80% of women will experience symptoms of varying degrees, often with hot flashes, sweating, insomnia, palpitations, fatigue, irritability, irritability, joint and muscle pain, repeated urinary and reproductive tract infections, etc., which are called menopausal syndrome. These symptoms can last for a few months, mostly a few years, or as long as three or four decades, or even a lifetime.

As the time of menopause increases, the long-term harm caused by estrogen deficiency will gradually appear, such as urogenital tract atrophy, prone to atrophic vaginitis and urethritis, bone loss, osteoporosis and prone to fractures. These problems will not end, but will only worsen with age. After the age of 60, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cognitive dysfunction increase.

2. The important role of sex hormones

Sex hormones refer to two types of hormones, estrogen and progesterone. They play a key role in regulating menstrual cycles, maintaining bone density, maintaining skin elasticity and stabilizing mood in women. However, as women age, their sex hormone levels gradually decrease, leading to a series of physical and psychological symptoms.

3. Principles of sex hormone replacement therapy

Hormone replacement therapy aims to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms associated with decreased hormone levels by replenishing the sex hormones that are lacking in the body. Treatment usually uses estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of both, which can be administered in the form of oral medications, patches, gels, or injections.

4. Advantages and risks of sex hormone replacement therapy

Sex hormone replacement therapy can significantly improve uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia, and improve the quality of life. In addition, for some women, sex hormone replacement therapy can also prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis. However, not everyone is suitable for hormone replacement therapy, and different treatment plans may be needed due to different physical conditions.

Hormone replacement therapy also has contraindications, such as: known or suspected breast cancer. Known or suspected sex hormone-dependent malignant tumors. Active venous or arterial thromboembolic disease in the last 6 months. Severe hepatic and renal insufficiency. For patients with abnormal liver and kidney function, transcutaneous route is recommended for the application of MHT. If repeated liver and kidney function tests are 2 to 3 times higher than normal values, it is recommended to first undergo internal medicine diagnosis and treatment.

Therefore, when choosing selective hormone replacement therapy, comprehensive consideration should be given based on individual physical conditions and doctor's advice.

5. Recommendations for the rational use of sex hormone replacement therapy

(1) Seek professional medical advice: Before considering hormone replacement therapy, you should consult an obstetrician and gynecologist for a physical examination and evaluation.

(2) Individualized treatment plan: Treatment should be customized according to the individual's health status and symptoms to avoid over- or under-treatment.

(3) Regular review and monitoring: During hormone replacement therapy, regular review helps to evaluate the treatment effect and monitor potential risks.

(4) Comprehensive health care: Sex hormone replacement therapy is only part of improving the quality of life. A proper diet, moderate exercise and psychological adjustment are equally important.

In short, sex hormone replacement therapy is an effective treatment method to relieve menopausal discomfort. Through scientific and reasonable application, women can maintain physical and mental health during menopause and regain happiness and vitality in life. However, treatment still needs to be chosen carefully, follow the advice of professional doctors, and combine comprehensive health care measures to make menopause a beautiful turning point in women's lives.

Author: Lin Chunyan Linxi County People's Hospital