Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Menopause can bring a number of changes to a woman's body and general health. Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, mood swings, depression, increased risk for osteoporosis, and night sweats. These changes are caused by the cessation of the ovaries' production of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones. To combat these effects, many women turn to hormone replacement therapy, or HRT.
Hormones can be replaced as a combination of hormones or estrogen replacement only. Synthetic or natural hormones are available and may have different effects. Studies show that different effects may also be achieved depending on whether the hormones are oral or transdermal replacements. The exact dosage and combination of hormones and the length of time prescribed can vastly affect the positive and negative side effects of each individual woman exploring this therapy.
Hormone replacement therapy and estrogen replacement therapy have been proven to be beneficial in the fight against many of the negative side effects of menopause. They can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. They can also relieve hot flashes and mood swings. Other potential advantages include the prevention of colon cancer and macular degeneration, which is vision loss due to age. HRT may also delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
HRT has become more controversial in recent months. There have been some negative side effects associated with HRT and ERT that may or may not outweigh the benefits. Estrogen replacement therapy increases the risk of cancer in the uterus. A woman on HRT may experience bloating or irritability. Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer. Women at risk for blood clots are also warned to avoid HRT. Breast cancer risk may be increased after 4 or more years of therapy of combined oral progestin and estrogen. There is also a slightly increased risk of heart attack or stroke. There can be problems with spotting or bleeding depending on the dosage and regimen of hormone therapy.
Hormone replacement therapy is not recommended for women with the following risk factors: vaginal bleeding of an unknown cause, a history of breast cancer, a history of uterine cancer, liver disease, blood clots, or cardiovascular disease.
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Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
