Hormone Replacement Therapy: Side effects of HRT

Hormone replacement therapy has become a controversial subject in women’s health. Despite the fact that it provides protection from osteoporosis and possibly heart disease, there is a risk that using hormone replacement may lead to problems such as breast cancer. There is little doubt that hormones are effective against symptoms of menopause. For instance, estrogen fluctuations lead to hot flashes and hormone replacement therapy helps even out the estrogen levels thereby reducing hot flashes. In addition, estrogen can help reduce vaginal dryness that can impede healthy sexual relationships.

Hormone replacement therapy may provide other significant benefits. For instance, The Woman’s Health Inititive undertaken by the National Institute of Health determined that HRT may help slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. HRT may also reduce the risk of colon cancer in menopausal and postmenopausal women. Short term use of hormone replacement therapy appears to effectively treat symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness and may offer bone protection. On the other hand women who use HRT for four years or more are at a higher risk of heart disease, breast cancer, blood clots and stroke.

Hormone replacement therapy involves the use of female hormones in the form of a pill, cream, patches or other method. Estrogen may be administered alone or in conjunction with a synthetic form of progesterone. In addition, some women also receive androgen and testosterone for some hormone related conditions. Based on the WHI and other studies, hormone replacement therapy should be administered in the lowest effective dose for a short duration, if at all. Hormones may provide relief for menopausal women, but the risks associated with prolonged use may give women reason to consider alternatives.

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