Hormone Replacement Therapy Could Help Prevent Depression in Menopausing Women, Study Says

A latest research illustrates that hormone replacement therapy could aid women to avoid depression during the menopausal stage.

Hormone Therapy Displays Positive Effect

The research, administered at a menopause clinic in Ontario, Canada, disclosed a cut in depression manifestation among women examined with hormone therapy, regardless of whether they were also prescribed antidepressants.

Dr. Stephanie Faubion, the medical director for The Menopause Society, affirmed the study's findings, citing that hormone therapy displayed a possible effect on mood symptoms during menopause, both when used alone and in combination with antidepressants.

The study, involving 170 women, displayed the prevalence of depression manifestation during menopause, with approximately 62% of participants scoring as "depressed."

While hormone therapy is known for efficiently managing hot flashes, its validity in addressing mood-related symptoms is less established.

The study suggested that hormones influence the brain pathways regulating mood during and after menopause, potentially playing a role in depressive symptoms.

The physical manifestation accompanying menopause may also add on to dampened emotions.

Interestingly, women undergoing natural menopause encounter important improvement in depression manifestation, whereas those going through menopause due to cancer treatment or surgery did not show comparable advancements.

Types of Hormone Therapy

Doctors typically ordered hormone therapy (HT) using a mix of estrogen and another female hormone, progesterone, often specified as progestins when synthetic.

The inclusion of progesterone is essential, as long-term use of estrogen alone boosts the danger of uterine cancer.

This combination is recommended for women with a uterus, while estrogen without progestin may be convenient for those who have had a hysterectomy.

Estrogen is feasible in numerous types, including pills, tablets, patches, creams, mist sprays, and vaginal preparations (such as rings, tablets, or cream), chosen based on the specific manifestation of the individual.

Different Forms of Hormone Therapy

• Pills (oral therapy): Administered either through daily continuous therapy or planned cyclic bleeding, with estrogen and progesterone taken together to avoid monthly vaginal bleeding.
• Patches and spray mists (transdermal therapy): Patches, changed weekly, are as effective as oral therapy in controlling hot flashes, while spray mists are applied transdermally once daily.
• Vaginal tablets, rings, and creams: Prescribed nightly initially, then reduced to twice per week for long-term maintenance. Vaginal preparations may address manifestations like vaginal dryness or irritation.
• Bioidentical hormone therapy: Involves hormones with the equal chemical formula as those naturally arising in the body, feasible in creams or gels. However, their long-term security and validity remain ambiguous.

Side Effects and Risks of Hormone Therapy

Minor reactions may include headaches, nausea, and breast pain, with adjustments available if these continue.

More important considerations include a heightened danger of blood clots, uterine cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and stroke.

While the dangers associated with HT are lesser for healthy women, careful planning and examination are essential, especially when using it for a continued period.

The choice of hormone therapy type and regimen should be tailored to each woman's unique circumstances, balancing the potential benefits against the associated risks and side effects.

Regular evaluation and communication with a healthcare professional are crucial throughout the treatment process.