Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as hormone therapy, is the most effective available treatment for moderate and severe symptoms of menopause. Hormone replacement therapy used to be much more widely used, however in 2002 a study revealed that hormone replacement therapy has some potentially dangerous side effects.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Side Effects
The most dangerous side effect of hormone replacement therapy is an increase in the frequency of breast cancer. An increase in uterine cancer is side effect of HRT that uses just estrogen, but is not a problem when HRT combines estrogen and progestin.
As long as hormone replacement therapy is only taken for a short time, the risks are minimal. One study found that when 10,000 women took hormone replacement therapy for 1 year, around 50 women become seriously ill that otherwise would not have. So out of 10,000 women, 50 – that would be .5% got sick from taking hormone replacement therapy.
Who Will Benefit From Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy will most benefit women under 60 with moderate to severe menopause symptoms. Women over 60 are far more likely to experience negative side effects of hormone replacement therapy.
Other Benefit of Hormone Replacement Therapy
In addition to treating menopause symptoms, there is some evidence that HRT will reduce a woman's risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Similar to the side effects, these benefits are most likely for women under 60, especially those who experience pre-mature menopause. HRT should not be taken just to try and prevent osteoporosis and heart disease; there are better approaches with fewer side effects available. But for women who need HRT for menopause, there are some beneficial side effects.
Anyone who is suffering from moderate or severe symptoms of menopause should talk with their doctor about the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy.
