Menopause is a common cause of hormone imbalance amongst women in their 40s and 50s. It is set in motion by fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. When hormone levels are in a state of flux, they are susceptible to becoming imbalanced.
Progesterone plays a key role in menopause. Throughout the life of a woman, this hormone is responsible for monthly ovulation, and is particularly influential during pregnancy. During menopause, as hormones fluctuate, a woman may experience progesterone excess or deficiency. This can result in unpleasant menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, headaches, fatigue, and mood swings.
However, these symptoms can be treated by hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). This involves introducing external hormones into the body to stabilize hormonal imbalance. Progesterone Replacement Therapy (PRT) is a type of hormone replacement therapy which specifically addresses the level of progesterone in the body during menopause. Read on to learn more about PRT, and how it can treat progesterone imbalance during menopause.
What Is PRT?
PRT is a process whereby progesterone from an external source is introduced into a woman’s body to counteract the effects of imbalanced progesterone levels. Progesterone is available in a variety of forms, including patches, rings, gels, creams and injections. The amount of this hormone introduced will vary according to the individual woman’s needs. A blood or saliva test is done to assess the level of progesterone in the body, and the hormone is then supplied in the appropriate quantity, according to the woman’s requirements.
PRT Advantages
PRT can be a very advantageous and popular way to treat menopause. Its main advantages are that it:
- Addresses hormonal imbalance directly
- Has a relatively immediate effect
- Can reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- Can reduce the risk of bowel cancer
- Has been suggested that it instigates a decrease in LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and increase in HDL (“good” cholesterol)
- May reduce the risk of colorectal cancer
PRT Disadvantages
Despite its advantages in treating the symptoms of menopausal progesterone imbalance, recent studies have associated many drawbacks with the use of PRT. It is suggested that has the following side effects:
- Water retention
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Heavier periods
It is also thought that PRT may increase the risk of:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Strokes
- Blood Clots
- DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
PRT is a popular and effective way to treat the progesterone imbalance that occurs during menopause. However, it is not without its risks, costs and potential side effects. It is important to take into account all the advantages and disadvantages before embarking on a treatment for menopausal progesterone imbalance. Click on the link below for more information on ways to treat hormonal imbalance.
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