BENEFITS AND RISKS OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Mar
24
2009

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Before you make a decision regarding hormone replacement therapy, you should consider carefully all the known risks and benefits. Get as many competent opinions and as much professional advice as is possible. Discuss the options with your doctor and seek a second or third opinion. In the end, the decision is an individual choice, so you should get as much information as possible and make sure you understand the entire process and its effects.

Known Benefits

1) Very effective for treatment and prevention in the short-term of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating and vaginal dryness.

2) May reduce episodes of depression and enhance sleep patterns. The therapy may also provide an overall sense of well-being.

3) Studies suggest that if taken for several years, this therapy slows down the rate of bone reduction. Other research indicates that if taken for at least five years, the incidence of hip fractures is reduced.

4) Some studies show that if the therapy continues long-term, it can help to maintain quality of skin and breast tissue.

5) If the therapy involves estrogen alone, it may help to protect against heart disease or reduce heart disease by 50 percent. However, the addition of progesterone appears to neutralize some of those benefits.

Known Risks

1) The therapy may cause minor side effects, such as headaches, nausea, bloating, weight gain, breast tenderness, and jaundice. Your doctor can lower your dose to alleviate the side effects.

2) Taking estrogen alone may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. However, that risk is apparently eliminated with the addition of progesterone.

3) While not conclusive, some studies suggest that estrogen may increase the risk of cancer. Also not conclusive, is evidence suggesting that the addition of progesterone gives protection.

4) Although rare with the dosage levels currently in use, the therapy may increase blood pressure.

5) Newer regimens attempt to eliminate monthly periods, but many women report regular spotting with this treatment.

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