Hormone Replacement Therapy

HRT involves administration of estrogen and progesterone hormones to counteract their dipping levels during menopause. Earlier ERT (Estrogen Replacement Therapy) was followed but this is now replaced by combined hormone therapy. HRT provides relief from symptoms such as increased fatigue and irritability and depression. Hormone Replacement Therapy is usually followed for a few months or a couple of years.

HRT is known to prevent or alleviate any bone loss that leads to osteoporosis. Women who have been on HRT experience enhanced sexuality and improved pelvic floor muscles. It may prove beneficial in preventing Alzheimer's disease and macular degeneration. Cyclic hormone therapy involves taking estrogen pills for 25 days, switching to progestin in between 10 - 14 days and then taking a combined pill for the next 25 days. Stopping the HRT for about 4 days brings on the menstrual bleeding.

The other form of administering HRT is continuos or combined therapy - whereby estrogen and progestin are taken everyday in combined form. Women on HRT complain of a bloated feeling as well as terrible headaches and fluid retention.

HRT Side Effects Some women experience post-menopausal bleeding when on HRT. Tender and swollen breast are yet another side effect of HRT. Swelling of the legs and increased weight are also noticed by women on HRT. Other associated risks of HRT are increased incidence of venous thrombosis or worsening of any existing liver condition. Long-term use of HRT is associated with breast cancer.

HRT patch

An HRT patch is an alternative to hormone tablets and vaginal creams. When ingested in tablet form, the hormone moves from the stomach and intestines to your liver. This necessitates higher dose of estrogen to be administered. HRT patches allow the skin to absorb estrogen through the bloodstream. HRT patches are worn on any location below your waist.

But it must never be applied on or near the breasts. Women suffering from sore or irritated skin must not use HRT patches. Vaginal creams containing estrogen are yet another method of administering HRT. This reduces the feeling of dryness experienced by most peri-menopausal women.

Testosterone Patch - Woman's Viagra

Decreasing libido is a common complaint among many women, especially those who are in the menopausal phase. Women who are on HRT during their menopausal and post-menopausal phase may not face this problem. Testosterone is a male sex hormone, though women produce small quantities of it too. It is crucial in maintaining their sex drive. HSDD (Hypoactive sexual desire disorder) is noticed in women, due to a variety of reasons. Menopause, surgical removal of ovaries, marital problems or other causes can result in low sex drive. Antidepressants are also known to reduce sexual desire. Reduced testosterone levels are a common reason.

The testosterone patch has shown a significant increase in sex drive among the women who participated in a study. There was considerable improvement in various areas of sexual functions such as arousal, responsiveness and orgasm. The women reported increased sexual activity and improved overall psychological well-being on usage of the testosterone patch. But the testosterone patch works on women who have lowered levels of testosterone which can be determined by blood tests. Decreased sex drive on account of other issues may need other forms of treatment.

Side Effects of testosterone patch: Testosterone patch side effects range from increased body hair and irritation on the patch site to URI.

Dosage of Testosterone patch:

Varicose Veins

Derived from the Latin word varix, which means twisted, varicose veins indicate a condition where veins swell and raise above the level of the skin. Though they can occur anywhere, varicose veins are most often noticed on the legs and feet. Veins on the lower body are subject to increased pressure while standing and walking and hence they are most likely to succumb to becoming varicose. Varicose veins appear as dark purple or blue cords that are twisted or bulging.

They are easily noticed on the back of calves or insides of the leg. In very severe cases of varicose veins, they rupture and form sores on the skin. If the veins deep within the legs enlarge, it may lead to swelling and pain. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins as compared to men. Birth control pills and HRT can make a woman more susceptible to this condition. People suffering from varicose veins feel throbbing pain and muscle cramping in the lower legs. These symptoms are worsened by prolonged sitting or standing. Venous disease can also cause varicose vein. Varicose veins tend to be more prominent during menstruation and pregnancy. Another condition similar to varicose veins is spider veins. This appears as smaller jagged lines and can be found on the face too.

Varicose veins treatment

Regular exercise can help in building vein strength and improving circulation. Keep weight under control to avoid extra pressure on the legs. Wearing supportive hosiery can help to some extent. Standing for long periods of time can cause varicose veins since the blood flow is impaired due to the stationary position. Shift your weight from time to time if you are standing for long periods of time. If you have to sit for long periods of time, stand up and move around or take a short walk approximately every 30 minutes. Include high-fiber foods to rule out constipation - a contributory factor to developing varicose veins.