Hormone replacement therapy is often given during menopause in order to reduce various symptoms. It includes both estrogen and progestin, which is the manmade form of progesterone, and is available in patch, cream, injection, and pill form. While all types of hormone replacement methods have received scrutiny for possible health issues, the hormone replacement therapy patch is often considered one of the safest techniques. Though this form of HRT needs to be replaced often, it is convenient for those who do not want to take a pill, get injections, or use cream to combat menopause symptoms.
Some women going through menopause turn to HRT to reduce symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and anxiety. The sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone hormones produces such symptoms, which is why replacement of these hormones can improve them. Pills, injections, vaginal cream, and a patch are all available, but many women consider the latter the least invasive and most convenient form. The hormone replacement therapy patch delivers hormones through the skin into the blood, and is usually placed around or below the waist, such as on the lower back, legs, or buttocks. It is important to only put it on dry skin so that it sticks well, and it usually needs to be replaced at least one to two times per week.
There are several side effects that come with the hormone replacement therapy patch. For example, some women experience irritation on the skin where the patch is placed. Additionally, nausea, bloating, mood swings, headaches, monthly bleeding, and breast tenderness are all normal side effects, but they should disappear once the body gets used to the surge of hormones. This may take up to two months, though both the severity and duration of the side effects often varies from woman to woman.
The hormone replacement therapy patch has some health risks, which is why it is not usually recommended for long-term use. In fact, using it for more than a few years can increase the risk of both breast cancer and uterine cancer. Additionally, the high dosage of estrogen can lead to cardiovascular disease, blood clots, gallstones, and stroke. Thus, it is recommended that the hormone replacement therapy patch be used for anywhere from a few months to a few years at most. It is best to seek a doctor's advice when determining whether to use this form of hormone therapy, and for how long, as the benefits outweigh the risks for some women.