Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that combines estrogen and progestin to restore the premenopausal levels of estrogen. Hormone replacement therapy is prescribed for protection against osteoporosis and heart disease, and relief of menopausal symptoms.
It has been well documented for several decades that Hormone replacement therapy is the most effective remedy for the hot flashes and sleep disturbances that often accompany menopause Hormone replacement therapy has also consistently been shown to decrease vaginal discomfort by increasing the thickness, elasticity, and lubricating ability of vaginal tissue. Urinary tract tissue also becomes thicker and more elastic, reducing the incidence of stress incontinence and urinary tract infections.

While Hormone replacement therapy was used initially to reduce the discomfort from short-term menopausal symptoms, recent studies provide evidence that it may also reduce some of the negative long-term health effects of menopause. Scientists are continuing to gather information to define the potential benefits from Hormone replacement therapy and to identify the women for whom it may be most useful. Further research will also be needed to show when Hormone replacement therapy should be started and how long it should be continued to achieve the greatest benefits.

While Hormone replacement therapy has potential benefits, it also can have drawbacks. Some of the side-effects of Hormone replacement therapy are: vaginal bleeding, breast pain, nausea, cramping, headaches, fluid retention, vaginal discharge, depression, irritability, weight gain and bloating. A few months adjustment period is often necessary for women beginning this therapy. Every woman entering menopause should have a physical examination and then talk with her doctor about her overall health, her family history and her physical and psychological concerns. Working with your doctor to assess your risk factors accurately should help you determine whether the benefits of this therapy outweigh the risks for you personally. If you are concerned about Hormone replacement therapy, consider other effective non-medical therapies for addressing your needs, and seek a second opinion before initiating a course of treatment.
Quick facts about HRT and Menopause

The symptoms of menopause are actually the ‘coping mechanism’ that your body creates in order to deal with the hormonal and chemical changes taking place.

1) Estrogen use whether with or without progesterone serves to double the estrogen levels of menopausal women.

2) While hormone treatments are effective, they rarely return the levels to those of pre menopausal women. They are not designed to completely replace original hormone levels.

The hormone use is actually intended to ease the discomfort of some of the symptoms that are often associated with menopause such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, and the inability to sleep. These same hormones are also used to prevent certain medical conditions and diseases that are common for postmenopausal women. These diseases include: heart disease, osteoporosis, and some cancers.

Many of these studies concluded that the long-term health risks of HRT far outweighed the short-term benefits. If you are considering this type of treatment it is vitally important that you seriously discuss with your doctor whether or not this is the right treatment option for you, what the risks are, and if there are other options available to you that might be just as effective without the high risks. Some of the risks include risks of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. On the other hand there were fewer hip fractures and instances of colon cancer among HRT patients so there are some benefits as well.

Eclectic sampling of findings

1) Women over the age of 65 using estrogen and progestin had double risks of developing dementia as well as a negative impact on cognitive function.

2) Women aged 50-79 experienced no significant change in vitality, mental health, general health, or sexual satisfaction as the result of using estrogen plus progestin.

3) The use of estrogen alone presents even less clear and conclusive results. As a result of the lack of clarity, studies and trials are ongoing.

4) There are indications that hormone replacement therapy increases not only the risk of cancer of the lining of the uterus but also endometrial cancer, and bleeding of the uterine. These side effects lead to the more frequent biopsies and ultrasounds for women who underwent HRT than those using placebos.

5) Increased risk of breast cancer.

6) HRT is a very effective treatment for the short-term symptoms of menopause.

7) Gall bladder disease and strokes are also more common among patients receiving HRT type treatment.

Ultimately, the choice of whether or not the short-term benefits are worth the long-term risks associated with HRT is yours. Regardless of what you decide, it is always a good idea to run your thoughts and concerns by your doctor and listen to the advice and caution he provides.