We Know: All About Hormone Replacement Therapy What is Hormone Replacement Therapy Hormone Replacement Therapy (HTR) is a system of treatment recommended for women entering menopause, when the body makes much less of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone and periods cease. HRT relieves troublesome symptoms for some women like irregular periods or hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. It is suspected that hormone replacement therapy also prevents memory loss. It usually consists of estrogen alone, or estrogen and progesterone. What is Estrogen? Estrogen is a hormone normally produced in premenopausal women to support the reproductive system. Doctors prescribe estrogen replacements to ease symptoms and prevent bone loss. Estrogen is available in the form of a pill, tablet, skin patch, vaginal cream, vaginal ring insert, implant, or shot. Progesterone is often prescribed in conjunction with Estrogen to prevent certain risks. What are the risks of using Estrogen? Estrogen alone can cause cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer). About five cases of endometrial cancer may develop in every 10,000 women using this hormone for 10 years. It can also cause a thickening of the lining of the uterus and irregular bleeding. What is Progesterone and how does it decrease the risks of Estrogen? Progesterone is the primary hormone responsible for both fertility and pregnancy. Progesterone or progestin (synthetic progesterone) replacements are often taken as a pill, sometimes in the same pill as the estrogen, is available as a patch, an IUD (intrauterine device), a vaginal gel, suppository, or shot. Progestin protects against endometrial cancer caused by estrogen. What Are the Risks of Hormones Replacement Therapy? Taking estrogen and progestin can cause symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, cramping, irritability, depression, and sometimes have spotting or a return of monthly periods for a few months or years. By changing types, doses, or frequency, your doctor may be able to control these side effects. Serious risks include heart disease, blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer in postmenopausal women, and possibly dementia in women over 65. Studies are now being done to learn more about the risks of using hormones after menopause. What are the benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy? Hormone Replacement Therapy: Reduces the risk of osteoporosis Relieves hot flashes and night sweats. Relieves vaginal dryness Improves cholesterol levels Reduces the risk of cancer of the colon Possible benefits under study include prevention of the loss of mental abilities with age, lowering the risk of developing diabetes, and lowering risk of ovarian cancer. Should I use Hormone Replacement Therapy? Currently, experts do not have all the answers about Hormone Replacement Therapy. The answer for each woman will be different. Your doctor can help you apply what is known about menopausal hormone therapy to your medical history.
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