Hormone Replacement Therapy in Menopause

Getting older is inevitable although many women dread the thought. As women age and reach menopause, they experience many changes to their bodies that can be uncomfortable and debilitating. Although there are several treatments available, these treatments are not safe for everyone. As with any medication, there are always risks and side effects that need to be considered. The physician should be consulted about whether hormone replacement therapy is suitable for them in helping to alleviate the symptoms of the menopause.

Hormone replacement therapy helps many women deal with the harsh reality of menopause. While this treatment has helped many, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Hormone replacement therapy has been know to produce both positive and negative side effects from use, this is why it is important for women to determine if this is the proper treatment for them. A physician should help one determine if using hormone replacement therapy is the wisest decision for them, as well as if the benefits outweigh the possible risks.

For many, hormone replacement therapy has proven to relieve the discomforting signs of the menopause. In fact, doctors believe that these treatments can actually help prevent many serious conditions that women are faced with as they become older. Studies show that estrogen can tremendously reduce a woman's risk for developing heart disease when taken early in menopause.Some more recent studies however have shown the converse of this,i.e that estrogen replacement actually causes heart disease. Also, a woman's risk for colo-rectal cancer is reduced significantly as well. Furthermore, studies have noted that osteoporosis can be reduced or prevented with the use of hormone replacement therapy treatment. In addition, the chances of fracturing the hip due to bone loss are reduced as well. Other benefits of this therapy include lessening of hot flashes, as well as ease of vaginal symptoms such as dryness and pain.

Although there are many benefits from taking hormone replacement therapy to prevent symptoms of the menopause, these powerful medications are not for everyone. Throughout the years, doctors have discovered that for some women, this type of therapy may actually cause more harm than good. Many negative side effects have been associated with hormone replacement therapy. In fact, women on this treatment may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. In addition, many women taking hormone therapy treatments may experience abnormal mammograms, especially false negative readings. Furthermore, the chance for stroke and blood clots are increased as well for women who manage symptoms of menopause in this way. Every woman should be evaluated individually to determine if this treatment is appropriate for them.

Even though hormone replacement therapy has many risks associated with it, it is still the most widely used option for dealing with menopause. For most women, the benefits of taking this treatment far outweigh the risks. If a woman experienced menopause early, particularly before she was 40, then the benefits likely will outweigh risks. Also, before starting this treatment, it is important that the individual does not have any previous bone loss or severe health problems. For example, if a woman currently has a heart condition, then this treatment will likely not be prescribed. In addition, a woman's family medical history and individual health are all factors that determine if this therapy should be used on a particular person for treating symptoms for menopause. With a physician's assistance, the lowest dose possible should be used, and women need to be reevaluated at least twice a year. With close evaluation and monitoring, hormone therapy treatment may help a menopausal woman get her life back to normal.