Informed consent is a critical part of any medical treatment, and this especially applies to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT involves administering hormones like estrogen and testosterone to supplement natural hormone levels that decline with age. While HRT can provide benefits like relieving menopausal symptoms in some patients, there are also potential health risks that must be carefully considered before starting treatment.
The key elements of informed consent in HRT include:
- Understanding the full details of the proposed treatment - This means understanding the types of hormones used, doses and methods of administration (oral, patches, gels, etc). It also includes being informed about the intended benefits of HRT like relief of hot flashes or improved bone health.
- Learning about the potential risks and side effects - HRT does carry health risks like blood clots, stroke, heart disease and certain types of cancer when used long-term. The likelihood and severity of these risks can vary based on personal health profile and hormones used.
- Considering alternative treatment options - Lifestyle changes or non-hormonal medications may provide adequate symptom relief for some patients, which should be discussed.
- Having the opportunity to ask questions - Open and transparent conversation with the medical provider is vital before starting HRT. Key questions patients should ask are:
- What are my personal risks and benefits with HRT?
- What dose and method of hormone therapy do you recommend for me and why?
- What symptoms and outcomes are you hoping HRT will address for me?
- Understanding you can stop treatment if unacceptable side effects occur - Patients must know they can re-evaluate and discontinue HRT if they experience adverse effects or if risks end up outweighing benefits for them individually.
At Vitality Hormone Clinic, our physicians make informed consent a top priority when considering patients for HRT. We take the time to:
- Thoroughly assess each patient's medical history, symptom profile and personal risk factors
- Educate on details of the hormone regimen we may recommend, including dose, route of administration and duration of use
- Have an open and thoughtful discussion regarding potential benefits, side effects and safety concerns with HRT
- Explore whether viable alternative options may be appropriate instead of or alongside HRT
- Answer all questions transparently and truthfully
- Emphasize the patient's autonomy to halt or alter treatment if they become uncomfortable
We provide each patient with a comprehensive
Hormone Therapy Fact Sheet that outlines these key details in a readable format for their future reference. Every patient has unique needs - there is no "one size fits all" approach to HRT. By making informed decisions tailored to the individual, we can maximize benefits and minimize adverse outcomes with hormone therapy.
In summary, true informed consent allows the HRT patient to:
- Fully grasp their personal health profile and risk factors
- Understand probabilities of benefits and harms with therapy
- Ask all questions that are on their mind
- Make autonomous, educated decisions on whether to commence or continue treatment
At Vitality Hormone Clinic, every HRT recommendation starts and ends with what is medically optimal and appropriate for you.
Contact us today to schedule your initial risk assessment and discussion.
