8: HT Side Effects

Question 1

What strategies would you use to manage this side effect of hormone therapy?
Fluid retention

Answer 1

Decrease salt intake.
Maintain adequate water intake
Exercise.
Use an herbal diuretic or mild prescription diuretic.

Question 2

What strategies would you use to manage this side effect of hormone therapy?
Bloating

Answer 2

Change to low-dose transdermal estrogen.
Lower the progestogen dose to a level that still protects the uterus.
Change the progestogen or try micronized progesterone.

Question 3

What strategies would you use to manage this side effect of hormone therapy?
Headaches

Answer 3

Change to transdermal estrogen.
Lower the estrogen and/or progestogen dose.
Change to a CC-EPT regimen.
Ensure adequate water intake.
Decrease salt, caffeine, and alcohol use.

Question 4

What strategies would you use to manage this side effect of hormone therapy?
Mood changes

Answer 4

Lower the progestogen dose.
Change to a CC-EPT regimen.
Ensure adequate water intake.
Restrict salt, caffeine, and alcohol consumption.

Question 5

What strategies would you use to manage this side effect of hormone therapy?
Breast tenderness

Answer 5

Lower the estrogen dose.
Change the estrogen.
Decrease salt intake.
Change the progestogen.
Decrease caffeine and chocolate consumption.

Question 6

What strategies would you use to manage this side effect of hormone therapy?
Nausea

Answer 6

Take hormones with meals.
Change the estrogen.
Change to transdermal estrogen.
Lower the estrogen or progestogen dose.