Consider Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy

When a woman goes through menopause, she stops having menstrual periods, and the process can sometimes lead to a variety of other symptoms, including hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

One option for combating some of the symptoms of menopause is hormone replacement therapy(HRT), according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

With HRT, you can relieve menopause symptoms with estrogen and/or progestin, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists(ACOG). Women can take estrogen only if they have had a hysterectomy, but if they still have their uterus, need to take estrogen and progestin.

There are two types of hormone therapyavailable systemic and local. With systemic therapy, hormones are released into the bloodstream and go to the organs and tissues that need it, according to the ACOG.

Local therapy is for women who are only suffering from vaginal dryness, according to the ACOG.

HRT can be beneficial, according to the ACOG, by:

There are also risks to HRT, according to the ACOG. Some risks include:

Currently, HRT is recommended to be used to treat symptoms of menopause but only on a limited basis, according to the ACOG. Its recommended that women take time to weigh the risks and benefits and talk with their doctor about the best option for their individual health needs.

The ACOG also recommends that women who do chose to use HRT use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible amount of time.

Its important also to reevaluate the therapy often to reconsider the benefits and risks, according to the ACOG. Talk with your doctor about how the HRT is working for you, if you have any new symptoms or side effects from the hormones especially vaginal bleeding. Review the HRT at least once a year with your doctor.

For more information about hormone replacement therapy, talk with your doctor or find a physician.

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Consider Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy