Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that is commonly prescribed for women who are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms related to menopause, including severe hot flashes, night sweats, loss of libido, extreme moodiness or depression, trouble sleeping, and osteoporosis. These symptoms are often associated with the sharp drop in estrogen levels during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy is most often prescribed in the form of oral medications as well as topical progesterone and estrogen creams.
While not all women require HRT for menopausal symptoms (it is often prescribed only as a last-resort treatment), many women find that it has an added benefit: hormone replacement therapy can slow hair loss. Some doctors prescribe HRT for women who suffer from androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness, but they are quick to warn patients that while effective, hormone replacement therapy also is associated with side effects of its own. Some of the side effects include:
- Higher risk of heart disease or strokes
- Higher risk of blood clots
- Increased risk of uterine cancer if progesterone therapy is not prescribed alongside estrogen therapy
- Breast cancer risk increases when hormone replacement therapy is conducted long-term
- Frequent headaches
- Nausea
- Soreness in the breasts
- Vaginal bleeding that may or may not be associated with uterine cancer
While hormone replacement therapy is an effective method of treating hair loss, most doctors will not prescribe it without the diagnosis of severe menopausal symptoms or other health issues. It is always important to discuss treatments like this with your doctor and to weigh the side effects versus the desired impact of the therapy before committing to this type of treatment.
When considering such dangerous (and in some instances life-threatening) side effects, many women opt for safer, simpler solutions to hair loss, like Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP). This non-invasive treatment provides excellent results without the drastic side effects of hormone replacement therapy.
Have questions about hair loss? Hairline Ink has the answers. If you or someone you know is suffering from hair loss, contact our team of experts to learn how scalp micropigmentation can help you to defy hair loss and reinvent the way you feel. We offer Scalp Micropigmentation in over 50 US cities. Call or text us today at 833-HAIR-INK (833-424-7465) to schedule an appointment, learn about our pricing, or to get a free quote!
