PRE-MENOPAUSE HORMONE THERAPY Hormone therapy uses estrogen and progesterone hormones to ease the symptoms of menopause. Prior to and during menopause, hormone levels drop significantly causing symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness and sometimes conditions such as osteoporosis. The main benefit of hormone therapy is that it replaces the hormones that the body no longer produces, therefore reducing the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. As a result, the patient enjoys improved sleep and a better quality of life during this period.
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PRE-MENOPAUSE HORMONE THERAPY
Hormone therapy also reduces the risk of bone loss which is common among menopausal women. The main disadvantage of hormone therapy is that it increases the risk of developing blood clots in the legs and lungs, stroke, cardiovascular conditions and breast cancer (Love, & Lindsey, 2003). Progesterone must be used together with estrogen to reduce the risk of developing cancer. The benefits of hormone therapy are significant for women going through the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. There are risks, however, which can be reduced; firstly, by ensuring that the patient does not have a pre-existing condition such as blood clots, obesity, diabetes, breast or uterine cancer, heart disease and stroke. The patient should also not undergo hormone therapy if they have a family history of these conditions. Secondly, a patient undergoing hormone therapy may alleviate these risks by taking minimal doses and for the least period possible. Mild to moderate menopause symptoms can be reduced through an active lifestyle and making appropriate dietary choices. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) are a class of anti-depressants which are also effective in reducing these symptoms. Alternatively, the patient may also use Paroxetine, Gabapentin and herbal medicine. These treatment options are safer since their side effects are not as significant as those of hormone therapy. They reduce hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and irritability. QSEN Pre-licensure Patient-centered Care is incorporated in this process through providing adequate information to the patient on all the treatment options available, together with the benefits and side-effects of each. The RN should let the patient make the decision autonomously and at all times avoid imposing his personal beliefs and opinions on them.
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Reference Love, S. M., & Lindsey, K. (2003). Dr. Susan Love’s menopause and hormone book: making informed choices. New York: Three Rivers Press.
PRE-MENOPAUSE HORMONE THERAPY
Describe two (2) benefits and two (2) risks of hormone therapy? Do the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risk? Provide rationale with evidence based data from the literature. What is one potential alternative to hormone therapy for this patient? Provide rationale to explain how this alternative may be beneficial for this patient. Describe how you will incorporate the QSEN pre-licensure Patient Centered Care competency into assisting this patient to make an informed decision on the most appropriate plan of care for her.
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