The duration of Hormone Therapy (HT) is a personalized decision based on your individual needs, health history, and potential risks and benefits. Here's a breakdown of factors influencing how long you might stay on HT:

- Menopause Symptoms: For women experiencing menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, HT is typically recommended for the shortest duration possible to effectively manage these symptoms. This is because the longer you take HT, the greater the potential risk of side effects. Once symptoms are under control, you and your doctor can discuss tapering off or discontinuing HT altogether.

- Overall Health: Your overall health plays a significant role. If you have a history of certain medical conditions like cancer, blood clots, or uncontrolled liver disease, HT might not be recommended at all, or the doctor might advise a very limited course of treatment. Regular checkups and monitoring are crucial while on HT to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness.

Yes, Arthritis Knee Pain can often be managed without surgery through a combination of non-invasive treatments. The goal of non-surgical management is to reduce pain, improve joint function and prevent further deterioration of the knee joint. Initial treatments typically include physical therapy, which strengthens the muscles around the knee to provide better support, improve mobility, and reduce pain. Exercises designed to improve flexibility, range of motion, and overall joint function are crucial for maintaining knee health.

In addition to physical therapy, medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, NSAIDs) or topical treatments (e.g., creams, patches) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections are sometimes used to relieve inflammation or provide lubrication to the joint, offering temporary relief from pain. Weight management is also important, as excess weight places added stress on the knee joint, worsening arthritis symptoms. For those with more severe pain or limited function, bracing, custom orthotics, or knee supports can help reduce strain on the joint. While surgery may be necessary for advanced cases, many individuals can successfully manage arthritis knee pain through these non-surgical methods.