HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Running head: HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY 1

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY 2

Hormone Replacement Therapy

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What evidence-based information will you provide to Ms. Martin regarding her concerns about HRT? 

When replacing the diminished hormonal levels in women, hormone therapy is considered where synthetic progesterone and estrogen are used to relieve menopausal symptoms (Lumsden, 2016). However, Bhupathiraju & Stampfer (2018) say it has been a controversial growing concern over HRT use’s benefits and risks. Women reach a certain stage where they get into menopause, which is a natural and unavoidable change. As a result, each woman requires personalized medical attention because postmenopausal symptoms present differently. It is imperative to consider the adverse effects of hormone replacement therapy use with the benefits of alleviating vasomotor symptoms and bone protection (Lumsden, 2016).

Discuss the advantages and risks associated with HRT

HRT is associated with both risks and benefits. HRT benefits include reduced risk of cardiac problems, decreased hip and spine injuries, quality of life improvement, protection from bowel cancer and uterine cancer, relieves mental symptoms, relief or urogenital atrophy, and control of vasomotor symptoms (Lumsden, 2016). However, HRT risks include DVTs in extremities, pulmonary embolism, breast cancer, stroke, and heart attack (Bhupathiraju & Stampfer, 2018).

What are your recommendations for Ms. Martin? Will you recommend continuing or discontinuing HRT, and why?

Several factors need to be considered before Ms. Martin is put on HRT and with the discontinuance of therapy. Thus, it is necessary to assess and obtain her history before advising her to discontinue the treatment. She needs to be educated about the benefits and risks of HRT before shifting to alternative options. Evidence-based information should be used to analyze available alternatives, together with Ms. Martin. Ms. Martin needs to be informed by the nurse practitioner that withdrawing from therapy will lead to increased risk for HBP and the return of menopausal symptoms (Lumsden, 2016).

What alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms will you discuss with Ms. Martin? 

Ms. Martin should be educated about alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms. Altering her ways of living serves as the utmost treatment alternative to be considered. For instance, she should stop smoking, reduce the intake of alcohol and caffeine, avoid stress and stressful situations, eat healthy foods, reduce extra pounds, and do regular physical exercises (Ernst & Posadzki, 2020). As recommended by the International Menopause Society, Ms. Martin can use other alternative medications in case she doesn’t want HRTs and start taking drugs such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Ernst & Posadzki, 2020).

Discuss the recommended screening tests, using the latest evidence-based guidelines that Ms. Martin should have.

Ms. Martin should undergo screening tests such as lipid profile assessment every five years, beginning at age 45, diabetes testing, colorectal cancer, pap smear, bone mineral density screening, and mammography every 2 years (Bhupathiraju & Stampfer, 2018). It is the opportune moment for Ms. Martin to have both mammogram and pap test done since they were tested 2 years ad 5 years ago. Besides, her care plan should include lipid profile assessment, diabetes testing, and colorectal cancer screening since she is above 55 years of age (Lumsden, 2016).

What health promotion, maintenance, and prevention education would be important to provide to Ms. Martin?

According to Ernst & Posadzki (2020), menopausal symptoms would best be reduced when patients are provided with health education and lifestyle change information. Ms. Martin will cope better with her symptoms if she adapts to an active lifestyle and intake of a healthy diet. The diet she should take should be rich in calcium and Vitamin D or the use of supplements. (Lumsden, 2016) Increasing her physical activity will help boost her bone density, reduce weight, improve quality of life, and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

References

Bhupathiraju, S. N., & Stampfer, M. J. (2018). Menopausal hormone therapy and cardiovascular disease: unraveling the role of age and time since menopause onset. Clinical Chemistry, 64(5), 861-862.

Ernst, E., & Posadzki, P. (2020). Alternative therapies for the management of menopausal symptoms. Managing the Menopause, 264.

Lumsden, M. A. (2016). The NICE Guideline–Menopause: diagnosis and management. Climacteric, 19(5), 426-429.