Hormone Replacement Therapy Consultations
Women who have reached menopause either naturally or surgically may experience unwanted symptoms from the changes occurring within their bodies.
Symptoms of menopause include:
- Hot flashes ("hot flushes")-getting warm in the face, neck or chest.
- Night sweats and sleeping problems-may lead to excessive tiredness, fatigue, and stress.
- Vaginal changes-the vagina may become dry and thin. Also vaginal infections may become more frequent.
- Thinning of bones-leading to loss of height and increased risk of bone fractures.
- Mood changes-such as mood swings, depression, and irritability
- Urinary problems-increased problems with urinary frequency, leakage, and pain.
- Memory-decreased ability to concentrate
- Sex-drive-less interest in sex and changes in sexual response
- Weight gain or increased body fat especially around the waist
For some women, many of these symptoms will go away with time, but for others these symptoms continue to be problematic and affect their quality of life. If the symptoms of menopause become intolerable, there are treatment options for women.
The Hormone Replacement Therapy Consultation service is a one-on-one consultation with a clinical pharmacist. Initially, the patient fills out a hormone history and symptom survey. The pharmacist will review this information, discuss your treatment options, review the risks/benefits of each option, and help the patient make an informed decision about what is best for her. A follow-up clinical note is sent to the patient's physician upon request and approval by the patient.
Components of the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Consult:
- Hormone history and symptom survey
- Medical and medication history
- Review of patient information
- Discussion of treatment options (including risks vs benefits)
- Selection of treatment based on patient preference and physician approval
- Patient education materials
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