Menopause hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been a controversial subject as of late. While it was considered an effective remedy for menopausal symptoms, clinical trials have shown that it might actually be causing more problems than it was helping. There is no doubt that hormone replacement therapy can help some women, but it is important to understand the risks involved and to make an informed decision. Read on to explore the risks involved with hormone replacement therapy and discover natural alternatives.
Key Points
- Hormone replacement therapy has become a controversial subject due to potential risks.
- There are two types of HRT available: combination treatment of estrogen and progesterone, and estrogen-only therapy.
- Potential risks of HRT include heart disease, breast cancer, blood clots, dementia, and stroke.
- Natural alternatives may be effective and include lifestyle and dietary changes as well as increasing vitamin and calcium intake.
What Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Entail?
The symptoms of menopause and perimenopause are caused by a reduction in the production of hormones in the body. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as the name suggests, aims to replace the missing hormones. There are 2 types of HRT available: a combination treatment that replaces estrogen and progesterone and an estrogen-only course of therapy. One of the main problems with prescribing HRT is that menopause experiences vary among women. The symptoms vary in intensity and some women won’t have some symptoms while others will have every possible symptom.
Clinical tests have shown that HRT won’t have any impact on some of the symptoms such as insomnia and general health. However, it has shown positive effects in alleviating hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, and preventing osteoporosis. Your doctor should be able to advise you if HRT will be of benefit to you and also inform you of the possible health risks. These risks include an increased likelihood of heart disease, breast cancer, blood clots, dementia, and strokes.
What Are Natural Alternatives to HRT?
Many of the benefits previously attributed to HRT can be achieved through lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as alternative therapies such as herbal remedies. Increasing your intake of vitamins and calcium can help to prevent osteoporosis. Regular exercise will also help to keep your bones healthy and strong. Changing your clothes and wearing a few layers of cotton clothing rather than wool can help to reduce hot flashes as can turning the room temperature down a few degrees.
There is no doubt that menopause hormone replacement can be of benefit to women suffering from some of the menopausal symptoms, but there are risks involved in long-term use. Be sure to ask your doctor to give you all the facts before making a decision about whether HRT is right for you.
Menopause Information Center
The content of this article should not be considered professional medical advice. Exercise due diligence when seeking relevant health information. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.