Hey ladies! Remember a few years ago when they said we shouldnt take hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats? They said it was bad for you! It could give you cancer! Use guided imagery to power through those sweats and headaches and mood swings! Better to be safe than sorry.

Fun fact: Turns out the science wasnt nearly as sciency as we thought and some of us couldve skipped a decade of severe to moderate crazy-making unpleasantness. Now, they say its perfectly OK, and may even be better for you to take sensible doses of estrogen. (For the three men still reading, estrogen is Latin for Lord, dont let me kill my husband fore the house is paid for.)

Not only is hormone replacement making a comeback but also it turns out its GOOD FOR YOU. Your heart just loves it! When properly dosed, modern cocktails of HRT can swaddle your heart in protective goodness AND protect against bone loss!

Mmmmkay.

Ima need to speak to someone right now. RIGHT FRIKKIN NOW. Wheres Cousin Eddy when you need him? Remember how he kidnapped Clark Griswolds miserly boss in Christmas Vacation and brought him to the Griswold home just so Clark could yell at him in person? Yeah, that would be kind of perfect. Get me the researcher who said reports of cancer and strokes were flawed. Ill wait.

Im righteously angry. The kind of angry that makes the oft-maligned Karen complaining about the degree of wilt in her Cobb salad seem downright quaint by comparison.

Whats next? Smoking is good for you? The tar and nicotine meet up inside your lungs and knit tiny sweater vests you can cough out and give as holiday gifts to your loved ones?

What about asbestos? Should I return to the 1950s-built house I grew up in and lick the exterior shingles because it will give me great eyesight and, interestingly, a useful third hand?

What about lead pipes and paint? Are those going to be OK, too? Will we learn that rather than causing learning disabilities and life-altering physical ailments lead is the secret ingredient in the Barefoot Contessas irresistible crispy-skinned roast chicken?

Speaking of food, remember how they told us not to eat eggs? And then they were OK. And then they werent. And then they wereIm not even sure anymore.

The new guidelines of HRT Okie Dokie (my term, not theirs) applies to women under 60. While Im happy for my sister-girls in their 50s, I hope they know theres a whole bunch of us who still have to apologize to a clerk at TJ Maxx who had the wretched misfortune to ask, again, if wed like to apply for a store credit card. There was NO reason to scream. Let alone scream Sure because apparently I look like I cant even afford the stuff in this GODFORSAKEN sea of sign art, gallon jars of pink Himalayan sea salt and garlic presses. So many, many garlic presses

Yes, we acted ugly because we had no estrogen. The stuff that had once plumped our skin, hydrated our parts and made us look at our spouses with more desire and less homicide.

To be sure, theyve done some important tweaking over the years to make HRT safer, like using patches instead of pills (greatly reduces risk of stroke) and keeping the recommendation to women under 60. (Apparently, the bad study had too many older women and yall know how we can be.)

Todays HRTs benefits outweigh the risks, they say. And thats great news for millions of women. Yay you. My generation toughed it out and now find ourselves on the other side, newly obsessed with digging in the dirt and subscribing to something called Britbox.

Just you wait.

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Weekend humor from Celia Rivenbark: Oh, so NOW hormone replacement is ok NC Newsline - NC Newsline

Dublin, May 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market, Size, Forecast 2024-2032, Industry Trends, Share, Growth, Insight, Impact of Inflation, Top Companies Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) market is experiencing significant growth, with an estimated value of US$ 20.91 Billion in 2023. A consistent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.18% is forecasted from 2024 to 2032, culminating in a market size of US$ 35.86 Billion by the end of the forecast period. This expansion is predominantly driven by an aging population, rising prevalence of menopausal symptoms, increased awareness, and advancements in hormone replacement products and therapies.

Women worldwide are increasingly experiencing menopausal symptoms and hormonal imbalances, compelling a growing need for effective HRT. The demand for HRT is bolstered by the projected worldwide population growth, indicating a substantial future market for hormone therapies. As reported by the NHSBSA Statistics and Data Science, England has seen a significant increase in prescribed HRT items, demonstrating the rising prominence of hormone replacement therapy in healthcare regimes.

Advancements and Trends

Continuous research and development, coupled with product approvals such as Ascendis Pharma A/S's SKYTROFA, are anticipated to further propel the hormone therapy market's growth. The increasing awareness of menopausal challenges in economies such as China and India is steadily translating into heightened market activity. Further, the surge in hormonal disorders is creating opportunities for market expansion, as effective treatments for symptoms like mood swings and reduced libido are sought after.

United States Market Analysis

The United States holds the leading position in the Hormone Replacement Therapy market, supported by an increase in therapy utilization among the target demographic and the continuous introduction of innovative drug delivery technologies. A significant portion of post-menopausal women in the US have utilized HRT, according to NIH. With a substantive patient population affected by conditions such as thyroid hormone imbalances, the market is set to maintain its robust growth trajectory.

Key Companies in the Market

The competitive landscape of the global Hormone Replacement Therapy market features key players including Abbott Laboratories, Bayer AG, Eli Lilly & Company, Novartis AG, Novo Nordisk A/S, Pfizer Inc., Abbvie Inc. (Allergan plc), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, and Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd. Recent developments such as FDA approvals and strategic partnerships accentuate these companies' commitment to meeting the growing demand for advanced HRT solutions.

Segments and Regional Insights

The global Hormone Replacement Therapy market encompasses various product types, disease types, routes of administration, and distribution channels. The market analysis includes segments like estrogen, human growth hormone, thyroid hormone, testosterone hormone, and progestogen replacement therapies. Additionally, the market explores different disease types and administrative routes along with distribution via hospital pharmacies, retail stores, and online pharmacies. The comprehensive market division also offers a granular view of HRT adoption patterns across a global spectrum covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The insights presented reflect the growing significance of Hormone Replacement Therapy and illustrate the market's future outlook in relation to demographic shifts, scientific advancements, and healthcare awareness. The global interest in achieving enhanced quality of life post-menopause and managing hormonal disorders underlines the importance of HRT, ensuring its relevance and expansion in the coming years.

Key Attributes:

Companies Featured

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8cg2rs

About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Research Report 2024: A $35+ Billion Market by 2032 - Industry Trends, Share ... - GlobeNewswire

Menopause transition is a natural part of a womens life that is overwhelmingly viewed as taboo and stigmatized as it is associated with aging. Many suffer because they are embarrassed to talk about it and think they have to suffer with the side effects. But this isnt true, there is help available.

During Womens Health month we spoke with Dr. Maryanne McDonnell, OB/GYN UConn Health to shed some light on this topic:

What are the stages of menopause? Menopause is divided into three basic stages: perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause. During this time, ovarian function first decreases and then finally stops the production of the hormones that stimulate the menstrual cycle; estrogen and progesterone.

Tell us about perimenopause, when does it start and what are the symptoms? Perimenopause is the time which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, when women start to have symptoms and will notice changes in their menstrual cycles. It starts at different ages; the majority of women start in their 40s and it can last anywhere from six-to-eight years on average.

Perimenopause symptoms may include menstrual changes, mood changes, changes in sexual desire, depression, trouble concentrating, headaches, night sweats, hot flashes, and trouble with sleep.

Most perimenopause symptoms are manageable. But if you need help managing symptoms, medications and other treatments are available. Perimenopause ends when youve had no period for a full year.

What is menopause and when does it happen? Menopause is a natural process that occurs when a womans ovaries stop releasing eggs and stops producing estrogen and progesterone. It marks the end of menstrual cycles and is diagnosed after you have gone one year without a menstrual period.

Menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, but the average age is 51. It can happen earlier or later in some women.

Some women experience no symptoms, while others may experience a combination of symptoms. These can be similar to perimenopause including hot flashes, night sweats, menstrual changes, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, mood changes, decreased libido, weight gain and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can sometimes last for years after menopause.

A medical professional can help manage menopause symptoms and may prescribe hormone therapy in some cases.

What does the last stage, post menopause entail? Post menopause is the final stage of menopause and begins after a woman hasnt had a period for 12 months in a row. During post menopause, the body learns to function with lower hormone levels, and reproductive years are over. You will no longer have periods but some women do continue to experience symptoms of menopause.

What are the treatments for the symptoms of menopause? Menopause symptoms and treatment options vary, and treatments include hormonal therapy, non-hormonal medications, and lifestyle changes. The goal is to decrease symptoms to allow for better quality of life.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) estrogen can help by replacing a small amount of the hormone lost at the time of Menopause. It can help with hot flashes, night sweats, and other side effects of menopause. When a patient is taking estrogen and still has a uterus, progesterone is added to prevent uterine cancer.

Antidepressants- Low doses of some types of antidepressants may help relieve certain menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes.

Gabapentin a drug that is sometimes prescribed off-label to reduce hot flashes during menopause. Instead of affecting hormones, experts think it may act on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature.

Treatments for vaginal dryness Postmenopausal vaginal dryness can cause pain during intercourse and/or recurrent urinary tract infections. There are several treatment options for vaginal dryness. Some, such as vaginal moisturizers or lubricants, are available without a prescription. Others require a prescription; these include a vaginal estrogen cream, tablet, capsule, or ring; an oral medication called ospemifene; and a non-estrogen vaginal tablet called Prasterone.

Lifestyle changes include wearing layers of clothing, keeping your bedroom cool at night, taking a cool shower, use a fan, try to reduce your stress level, avoid, or reduce potential triggers, such as spicy food, caffeine, hot drinks, smoking and alcohol, exercise regularly, and lose weight if youre overweight.

Eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein, among other nutrients, and getting regular physical activity may provide relief from menopause symptoms.

There are many supplements and products on the internet and social media that claim to help with symptoms of menopause. Do these really help? We must remember that supplements and many of the products sold online are not regulated by the FDA and have not been researched enough to confirm their effectiveness or safety. Patients should talk to their doctor before taking any type of supplement to determine it is safe. For those looking for natural ways to control symptoms, eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein, among other nutrients, and getting regular physical activity may provide relief from menopause symptoms.

Dr. McDonnell recommends women suffering from symptoms that may or may not be linked to menopause speak to their health-care provider. You can get help with many of these symptoms you are experiencing and there is no need to do it alone.

Its important to know that there isnt a one-size-fits-all approach to symptoms or treatments, but working with your practitioner, you can find one that works for you.

The Womens Center at UConn Health offers OB/GYN services for women at every stage of their lives, providing access to award-winning doctors at a location thats close to home. Keeping our patients in mind, weve brought together general obstetrics and gynecology with specialized services and imaging, making appointments even more convenient.

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Menopause Demystified - UConn Today - University of Connecticut

If youve beenor are goingthrough menopause, you know it can be a doozy, between the acne, sleep difficulties, cognitive symptoms and lets not forget the hot flashes. One treatment for these symptoms is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)which you might know by the name hormone replacement therapy, a treatment that replaces the hormones that your body isnt making enough of, thereby improving menopause symptoms like vaginal dryness and changes in mood. I checked in with Dr. Mary Jacobson, MD, to learn more about MHT, including benefits, risks and alternatives.

Dr. Mary Jacobson, MD, is the Chief Medical Officer of Hello Alpha, which aims to empower women to take control of their personal healthcare by providing patients with access to simple, everyday medical needs. Dr. Jacobson is an accomplished academic, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and minimally invasive surgeon with extensive experience in clinical care, medical education, hospital operations and research.

First things first, Dr. Jacobson tells me that hormone replacement therapy is an outdated phrase based on the mistaken belief that femalemenopausesignified a hormone deficiency. Instead, she says, The phrase, menopausalhormone therapy (MHT) or hormone therapy (HT),albeit nuanced, recognizesmenopauseas a natural stage of reproductive life.

Hormone therapy comes in many forms, including:

Per Dr. Jacobson, menopausal hormone therapy treats:

What Signals the End of Menopause? An OB/GYN on What to Expect at Every Stage

izusek/getty images

Dr. Jacobson tells me that MHT is FDA-approved for:

Moderate to severe VMS

Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Treatment of low estrogen levels due to hypogonadism (when your body does not produce enough sex hormones), removal of both ovaries, or primary ovarian insufficiency

Treatment of moderate to severe vulvovaginal symptoms

The risks of hormone therapy differ depending on type, dose, duration of use, route of administration, timing of initiation and whether a progestin is used, Dr. Jacobson explains. Risks of systemic estrogen therapy alone and combination estrogen and progestin include increased risk for venous thromboembolism and gallbladder disease. Additionally, she says, the combination estrogen and progestin carries a rare but increased risk for stroke and breast cancer. Patients with a uterus who take estrogen without an adequate amount of progestin are at increased risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer.

While MHT is appropriate for many symptomatic women, Dr. Jacobson says that there are some contraindications that would rule out hormone therapy as a treatment for menopause symptoms. These include a history of an estrogen-sensitive cancer (like breast cancer), coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke and venous thromboembolism or inherited high risk of thromboembolic (blood clotting disease).

If you have one of these contraindications but are still looking for relief from menopause symptoms, dont fret; Dr. Jacobson tells me that there are a number of other medications that can help with symptoms, including the antidepressantsparoxetine (Brisdelle) and Venlafaxine (off-label), which provide mild to moderate improvements in vasomotor symptoms. Also, Gabapentin is associated with improvements in the frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms. Fezolinetant (VEOZAH) is a novel, non-hormonal medication which treats moderate-severe vasomotor symptoms. Fezolinetant modulates neuronal activity in the thermoregulatory center of the hypothalamus in the brain.

Additionally, Dr. Jacobson says folks can try the below non-prescription based methods to manage their symptoms.

For VMS:

For Vaginal Symptoms:

Over the counter vaginal lubricants (e.g., Astroglide, OMy, K-Y Brand, Liquid Silk, Yes!, Pjur, Pink, Wet Platinum)

Menopausal hormone therapy is one of a number of treatmentsin addition to lifestylechanges, supplements, integrative therapies and prescription medicationsthat can ease vasomotor, vaginal and mood symptoms associated with menopause. While its helpful to read up on your options, only you and your doctor can determine what course of action is right for you.

10 Unusual and Lesser-Known Menopause Symptoms Every Woman Should Know About

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Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know (But Were Scared to Ask) About Menopausal Hormone Therapy - AOL