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Two reasons why menopausal women discontinue their HRT program
are (1) unpleasant side effects and (2) failure of the program to relieve their symptoms.
This section addresses unpleasant side effects. This is the second section of a 5 part series...
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PART 2 - UNPLEASANT SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects … Why they occur and strategies to avoid them.
Most unpleasant side effects of HRT, are related to (1) the oral route of administration,
(2) progesterone and progestins and (3) the physiologic action of the hormone on its target tissue.
Side Effects Related To The Oral Route Of Administration:
The most frequent unpleasant side effects associated with the oral route of
administration are nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. These symptoms can be due to either a direct effect of
the hormone replacement on the lining of the stomach, or secondary to the affect of the rapidly rising hormone
levels on the brain. In the latter case this is not unlike “morning sickness.” If the symptoms do not resolve after
a few weeks a reduction in dose, or switching to another oral product may be in order. If this does not alleviate
the symptoms a change to a non-oral route of administration will be likely be required.
When a hormone is taken orally it is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and transported “en masse,” or as a
“bolus” to the liver. This is referred to as the “first-pass” affect. During this passage the absorbed hormone
alters the normal production of liver proteins. While most women seem to be unaffected in some women the alteration
in the blood levels of these substances have the potential to cause an elevation of blood pressure and/or an increase
in the frequency of migraine headaches.
Side Effects Unrelated To The Oral Route Of Administration:
One problem that is not specific to the oral route and can occur with any route of administration is breast tenderness.
It can be perfectly normal for a woman who has been hormonally deficient to have breast soreness beginning a few
weeks after starting estrogen replacement. Low estrogen levels can result in an involution of breast tissue and
when the breast tissue is stimulated by estrogen replacement the breast tissue can be sore and tender for 2-3 months
as the breast tissue regenerates. Women who have been estrogen deficient may notice a reduction in breast size
and then notice a return to their pre-deficient state after taking replacement estrogen. If a woman does not recognize
the reason for the breast soreness, she may suspect the discomfort has a more serious origin, become frightened
and stop her HRT. If the tenderness persists for more than 2-3 months, a reduction in dose may be required. Of
course it would be prudent for her to discuss this with her physician and have an examination if it persists, or
if the physician believes it is warranted.
It is also possible to experience allergic reactions to HRT preparations. Women who are allergic to peanuts need
to be aware that some hormone replacement preparations including Prometrium contain peanut oil and are capable
of producing serious allergic reactions in those who are susceptible. Many women are allergic to the adhesive in
transdermal estradiol patches, or find that they are intolerant to the vehicle in the patch resevoir that contains
the medication. In some instances this can be resolved by using another brand of transdermal estrogen patch.
One frequent reason given by women for not starting HRT, or discontinuing its use is the prospect of continued
uterine bleeding.
A woman who has an intact uterus and is an estrogen user requires the use of a natural, or synthetic progestin
to prevent potential overstimulation and the development of abnormal changes of the uterine lining. Women who are
on a program of sequential therapy in which the progestin is give for 10-12 days a month will experience an expected
withdrawal bleeding. HRT preparations are available that contain a combination of estrogen and a smaller dose of
progestin which have been designed to be taken daily and prevent any uterine bleeding. These preparations are widely
used and are preferred by many physicians, but others have a concern about the affects of daily use of progestins.
Most women tolerate this combination well, but others are intolerant to daily use of even a small dose of progestin
and/or find that they continue to experience spotting, bleeding, or cramping while using it. The subject of progestin
and progesterone intolerance will be addressed
further in the next section.
Many women are concerned that weight gain may occur if they use HRT. The research evidence does not support this
and suggests that women who are users of HRT are actually less likely than non-users to put on extra pounds. This
is discussed in the section of the web page, Menopause & Weight Gain
 Part 1 Part 3
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Dr Nosanchuk is currently in practice in Southeastern Michigan
and is accepting new patients. His office is located in Bingham Farms, a suburb of the Detroit Metropolitan Area.
Dr N specializes in the care and treatment of menopausal women and has a special interest providing treatment to
women whose lives have been altered by their menopause, hysterectomy, or both. This includes strategies to restore
quality of life, by resolving problems, such as persistent symptoms, loss of libido and disturbances of sexual
function.
Appointments with Dr Nosanchuk can be scheduled by calling (248) 644-7200
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IMPORTANT
This web site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to suggest
a specific therapy for any individual and must not be construed to establish a physician/patient relationship.
Website By Athena
All Contents Copyright © 2000-2005 menopausehysterectomy.com/drn4u.com
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