Menopause Relief: Doctor Says Hormone Replacement Therapy Remains Effective

(Taichung, April 15, reporter Chao Li-yan) Women often experience various discomforts during menopause due to hormonal changes. Dr. Hsu Yi-ting, an obstetrician and gynecologist, emphasizes that hormone replacement therapy (HRT/MHT) remains the most effective clinical approach for symptom relief. The key factor influencing cardiovascular outcomes, she notes, is the 'timing of treatment initiation.'

According to a press release issued today by Tong Comprehensive Hospital, Dr. Hsu Yi-ting from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology explains that women around the age of 50 commonly begin experiencing irregular menstruation, hot flashes (sudden intense heat with night sweats), vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, insomnia, mood swings, and muscle aches as menopausal symptoms.

Dr. Hsu points out that many women avoid or refuse hormone therapy due to fears such as 'it causes breast cancer, stroke, or blood clots,' leading them to endure symptoms that significantly reduce their quality of life. These fears stem from a past study that was overly amplified and misinterpreted, creating public anxiety. She stresses that the cardiovascular impact of menopausal hormone therapy hinges critically on 'when treatment begins.'

Starting hormone therapy within 10 years of menopause or before age 60—when blood vessels are still healthy—supplementing adequate estrogen helps blood vessel dilation and delays atherosclerosis. Studies show that women who receive treatment at the right time may reduce their all-cause mortality rate by approximately 30%. Hormone therapy is very safe when initiated within 10 years of menopause; beyond that, individual medical evaluation is required.

Hormone therapy not only alleviates 80–90% of hot flashes and night sweats but also protects bone health (reducing fracture risk by about 30%) and improves sleep disorders, brain fog, and emotional fluctuations. For women assessed as unsuitable for hormone therapy, non-hormonal clinical alternatives are also available. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150615

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