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Is HRT The Right Treatment For Pre-menopausal Symptoms?

Posted on Fri, 16 Sep 2016

Question: I was just prescribed HRT for peri menopause. I have Crohn's and take imuran 50 mg daily. I have had 3 bowel resections and cannot have more surgery without a colostomy. My peri menopause symptoms include night sweats, hot flashes, fatigue, severe moodiness. Researching others reviews and unsure what to do. I understand the risks of medications but also need a better quality of life. Feedback appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Dalia Muraleedharan (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Try natural diet

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing..
I understand your concern and worry..

HRT is the definitive treatment for hot flushes.. But since you are young, you can try natural remedies prior to initiating HRT..

Include food rich in phytoestrogen like beans, apple, soy beans, barley, wheat, pomegranate in your diet.. It provides natural estrogen which help to tackle hot flushes to an extent..

Regular exercise, yoga and life style modification help to reduce the perimenopausal symptoms..

After a trial of natural methods for 3 months if there is no improvement, then you can go for HRT..

Hope I have answered your query.. feel free to ask any doubts..
Good day..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dalia Muraleedharan (4 hours later)

Some of the natural remedy foods recomended I cannot tolerate due to Crohn's disease. I have very little large bowel left. If it was just hot flashes I could tolerate but my quality of life is being seriously affected. Moody. Depression Difficulty sleeping. Always tired. I am a single Mother with 2 children and I want to enjoy life with them. I know there was much bad press about HRT 10-15 years ago but with low doses it seems the side effects are minimized. What is your opinion on taking the low doses prescribed? I refused taking imuram years ago for Crohn's due to the possible side effects but reconsidered and take a very low dose. Your opinion on the low doses prescribed would be appreciated..

Answered by Dr. Dalia Muraleedharan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, continue with low dose HRT

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing..

Since you cant have most of the food, it would be better to go for low dose HRT to relieve your symptoms.. Yes, since the dose is reduced, the side effects have decreased but it would be better to undergo blood tests every 6 months while on HRT..

Hope I have answered your query.. good day..

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D