HRT as a Hair Loss Treatment: Benefits and Risks

Hormones are essential for hair growth. The main hormones that affect hair growth are testosterone, estrogen, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When these hormones are out of balance, they can contribute to hair loss in both men and women. Both can use hormone replacement therapy as a hair loss treatment. For women experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms, HRT involves using synthetic hormones to boost hormone production, which can encourage bodily functions like follicle repair and hair growth. Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years between the ages of 45 and 55. It brings about a significant shift in hormonal balance, with declining levels of estrogen and progesterone leading to a range of physical and emotional changes. This article will explore the different types of HRT, its benefits, risks, and potential side effects.

Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that involves managing a patient’s hormone levels, usually by introducing synthetic hormones to the body’s system to encourage more natural hormone production. This non-invasive medical treatment involves supplementing or replacing hormones that the body no longer produces sufficiently. It is commonly used to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause in women, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. HRT is different for men and women because different hormones are targeted. For example:

• HRT for men involves testosterone production. 
• HRT for women involves estrogen and progesterone production

Common Forms of HRT

NHS describes the ways of taking HRT. Usually, HRT is given for 2 to 5 years, but the duration can be longer than this, depending upon the specific condition of each individual. HRT is available in various forms. The most common forms of HRT include:

• Estradot Patches:

Estradot provides HRT by applying patches to the skin. It is an estrogen-only form of HRT that can help with the side effects of menopause and potentially prevent osteoporosis from developing.

• Evorel Patches: 

Another patch form of estrogen-only HRT, Evorel Patches, is an effective treatment method for relieving the unpleasant side effects of menopause.

• Femostin Tablets: 

Femostin is a version of HRT suitable for post-menopausal women with an intact uterus. It is a combined HRT containing estrogen and progestogen daily to treat menopausal symptoms.

Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Even though Hormone Replacement Therapy is mainly used for alleviating the symptoms of menopause, it has other health benefits too. Let’s talk about these in detail.

• Hot Flashes: HT relieves the sudden and intense episodes of heat known as hot flashes, which can significantly impact daily life.
• Vaginal Dryness and Painful Intercourse: Menopause-related hormonal imbalance can lead to vaginal dryness, discomfort, and painful intercourse. HT aims to address this challenge and enhance sexual well-being.
• Addressing Night Sweats: Hormone therapies reduce sudden episodes of excessive sweating during sleep. These night sweats can interrupt sleep and make nights uncomfortable.
• Soothing Dry, Itchy Skin: Hormone treatment also aims to relieve dry and itchy skin, which can be bothersome. By doing so, it provides an opportunity for women to have more comfortable skin and better sleep at night.
• Managing Diabetes Risk: HT offers the advantage of a lowered risk of diabetes, highlighting its potential impact on preventing metabolic disorders.
• Slight Enhancement in Joint Comfort: Women dealing with joint discomfort may find relief through HRT, contributing to a more effortless everyday experience.
• Longevity Boost: A noteworthy finding indicates that women who initiate hormone therapy in their 50s may benefit from a lower death rate, suggesting a potential life span extension.

Risks of Hormonal Replacement Therapy

HRT is very effective for menopause and other hormonal imbalance issues, but it can lead to the risk of certain severe conditions. The risks of hormonal replacement therapy for menopause include:

• Breast Cancer: Long-term use of combination HRT (estrogen and progesterone) is associated with a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer. The risk appears to be higher with prolonged use and diminishes after discontinuation of therapy.
• Endometrial Cancer: Estrogen therapy alone, without the addition of progesterone in women with a uterus, can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. The addition of progesterone helps mitigate this risk by protecting the uterine lining.
• Cardiovascular Risks: While some studies suggest cardiovascular benefits, others have raised concerns about the potential increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart disease associated with HRT. Healthcare providers must evaluate the individual risk factors and medical history before starting HRT.
• Blood Clots: Estrogen-based HRT can increase the risk of blood clots. Women with a history of clotting disorders should exercise caution and discuss their medical history with a healthcare provider.

Side Effects of Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Common side effects include bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, headaches, and nausea. These side effects are temporary and tend to improve as the body adjusts to the therapy. Other less common side effects include:

• Fluid retention
• Skin discoloration (brown or black spots).
• Increased breast density makes mammogram interpretation more difficult
• Skin irritation under estrogen patch

Conclusion

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) significantly relieves menopause symptoms and supports bone and cardiovascular health. But, it comes with risks. Women considering HRT should consider consulting experts at M Health and Beauty, as we offer customized, patient-specific treatments.