Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that replaces the hormones your ovaries stop making during and after menopause (estrogen and progestin). In the past, HRT had been prescribed for both its short-term and long-term benefits. In the short term, HRT relieves hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia, fatigue, and mood disturbances including depression. In the long term, HRT was recommended to reduce vaginal dryness and help reduce the risk of osteoporosis (bone loss), heart disease, colon cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Those benefits were weighed against the already-known increased risk of developing endometrial and breast cancer.
However, large clinical studies have found that the use of a certain combination of estrogen and progestin taken in pill form significantly increases the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It is important to note that not all forms of HRT have been linked to an increased risk and that these risks occurred with long-term versus short-term usage. The decision to start HRT is an individual one, based on the risks and benefits to the person taking HRT. Every person is different.
For those whom the risks outweigh the benefits, other options can be considered, including the following:
Other types of HRT can be considered for both short- and long-term therapy. Another option is to switch to the lowest-dose form of the HRT you are taking. The best way to take hormones (including estrogen and progestin) is to take the lowest possible dose that helps relieve your symptoms. Ask your doctor about changing your dose and about taking HRT in a patch or skin cream.
For osteoporosis prevention or treatment: HRT is not the only way to prevent the loss of bone that occurs when levels of estrogen decline. In fact, the best way is early prevention with regular physical activity and a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Talk to your doctor about other classes of osteoporosis medications, for example Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) such as raloxifene, and bisphosphonates such as risedronate and alendronate.
For heart disease prevention and treatment: After menopause, your risk of heart attack and stroke increases because of the lack of a protecting effect from estrogen. Dietary and lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and stopping smoking, can help reduce your risk of heart disease. If you have diabetes, make sure you’re managing your condition and taking any medications to help prevent high blood pressure as prescribed by your doctor. In addition, you may reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes with certain medications, including drugs that lower cholesterol levels (called statins) and blood-pressure medications.
For breast cancer prevention: Lifestyle factors are important: maintain a healthy diet, control your weight, stop smoking, restrict alcohol intake to 2 drinks or fewer a day up to a weekly maximum of 9 drinks, and get regular physical exercise. As well, make sure you have regular mammograms and breast exams. Learn how to perform breast exams at home.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2025. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Hormone-Replacement-Therapy