How long should estrogen and progestin combinations be taken?
The right duration for you depends on why you’re taking HRT. Each person has unique needs and concerns. For all forms of HRT, you should take the smallest dose for the shortest amount of time to improve your quality of life. And the need for HRT should be re-evaluated at an annual check-up.
If someone is considering taking HRT to help alleviate serious menopausal symptoms, should they begin therapy?
Many people take HRT to alleviate serious symptoms of menopause. For these individuals, the treatment is still an effective method to alleviate symptoms. But talk to your doctor and re-evaluate your need for HRT each year.
What about people who are considering HRT to prevent heart disease and osteoporosis?
Most doctors do not recommend taking HRT to reduce the risk of heart disease. If you’re considering HRT to prevent heart disease, you should talk to your doctors about lifestyle issues and other medications.
To prevent osteoporosis, HRT is only one of several options (including diet, exercise and other medications). Talk to your doctor about your specific risks for developing osteoporosis.
For those taking HRT to relieve menopausal symptoms, after how many years does their risk of breast cancer and heart disease increase?
The current thought is that the risk of developing breast cancer increases after 5 years of taking HRT. The risk of developing heart diseases depends on the age that you start HRT relative to menopause. If HRT is started 10 years after menopause or after the age of 60, your risk of developing heart disease may be higher than if it were to be started earlier.
Because some symptoms of menopause subside after 2 to 3 years, you should re-evaluate your need for HRT each year. You may be able to stop taking HRT after 2 to 3 years.
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