Is HRT Right for You?
Used to treat menopause for many years, hormone replacement therapy or HRT involves medications that contain female hormones designed to replace those that the ovaries stop producing. Helping to reduce the signature sign of menopause, hot flashes, HRT was once thought to provide a variety of benefits, including prevention of both heart disease and dementia, but its risk factors have received more attention of late. Now more controversial than ever, last year the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force cautioned that HRT should only be used for short periods of time. Is hormone replacement therapy right for you? Benefits: In particular, estrogen helps the body maintain healthy levels of cholesterol in the blood and use calcium for bone strength in addition to keeping the vagina healthy. Likewise, progesterone reduces the risk of endometrial cancer. HRT can help maintain these healthy functions and ease the uncomfortable itching, dryness and burning that often accompany menopause. It can be a good treatment for women who haven’t found relief through other measures, are losing bone mass and those who reach menopause early.
Risks: In studies, HRT has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease, breast cancer, strokes and blood clots in some women. Risks may vary based on whether women receive estrogen or estrogen combined with progesterone as well as age, dosage and other health risks, particularly women with history of breast, ovarian or endometrial cancer. Talk to your doctor about the best choice and option for you. HRT can be delivered via pill, patch, cream, gel or a slow-release suppository. The lowest dosage for the shortest time possible is generally recommended when it comes to hormone replacement therapy. Finally, any woman experiencing menopause or trying HRT should also focus on a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise and a healthy diet, no smoking, limiting alcohol, and learning to manage stress and any other conditions. This is a conversation worth having with your doctor throughout menopause, so that you can both feel and live better.
