Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women – why is it so important and why is it so widely discussed in Germany?

In today’s well-informed society, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women is the subject of intense debate. Yet it is a crucial tool for improving the quality of life of many women during the menopause.

How does the menopause manifest itself in women?

The menopause is a phase that every woman experiences in her own way. It’s a natural part of the life cycle and can cause a range of symptoms, from hot flushes and sleep disturbances to mood swings. Sometimes it can feel like a wild rollercoaster ride. This is where HRT comes in, as it can help to alleviate these symptoms and also improve bone density by supplementing declining sex hormones.

What does science say about hormone replacement therapy?

As with any medical treatment, there are pros and cons to HRT. It is important that your individual hormone levels (sex and thyroid hormones) are measured with a blood test. Based on the results of your laboratory profile and your individual needs, your doctor will advise you.

A study published in 2002 in the renowned New England Journal of Medicine caused controversy at the time. It found that the benefits of HRT for the treatment of menopausal symptoms were less than the increased risk of developing breast cancer or cardiovascular disorders. However, this interpretation of the study data was corrected by the authors themselves in 2016, 14 years later.

Today, science recognizes that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should ideally begin as soon as the menopause occurs in order to achieve the greatest possible benefit. Current studies even indicate that HRT can be used after breast cancer without risk factors and without increasing the recurrence rates.

Influencing hormones with vital substances?

There is a remarkable similarity between the changes that hormones and certain vital substances undergo in our bodies as we age. Examples of these vital substances are NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and alpha ketoglutarate, both of which are extremely important for cell function but decline over time.

In such cases, it can be beneficial to take specific micronutrients such as calcium alphaketoglutarate. NAD boosters such as NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) or NR (nicotinamide riboside) can also be helpful to increase the concentration of these important vital substances in the body.

Conclusion

The debate around HRT shows us how important it is to stay informed and have open conversations with our doctors. It also highlights the importance of personalized treatments based on our unique bodies and our specific needs. Ultimately, we all have the same goal: to live a healthy, happy life where we feel comfortable in our own skin.