Thursday, May 30, 2013

Hormone Replacement Therapy - The Positives And Negatives You Need To Know


Hormone replacement therapy seems like the new in thing and many people aren't aware of just how serious this process is. This is mostly an option when it comes to menopause, since women want to maintain their health and lifestyles. If you have reached the stage of life change and are considering this route, then think carefully about the benefits and the side effects.

Benefits of hormone replacement therapy

As with many other forms of medication or drugs, hormones have short term effects that you may notice immediately, and long term effects that can be seen further down the line. The most noticeable benefit within the first few weeks is an enhanced feeling of well being and a sense of being full of life and energy. Added to that, you will experience a reduction in night sweats, vaginal dryness, headaches and panic attacks. This works well for women who really aren't coping with the symptoms of menopause. In the long term you will have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's.

Disadvantages of hormone replacement therapy

As with the benefits, there is a range of short term and long term negative effects that can result. Some of the initial effects may include nausea, headaches, weight gain, water retention and excessive vaginal discharge. The weight gain in this case has not been directly attributed to the hormone replacement therapy, but it has been associated with the decrease in metabolism that can occur as a result of the therapy. One of the most important long term effects is the potential for cancer development, either of the endometrium or breast tissue. The effects will differ depending on the type of schedule you opt for, since different ones comprise different hormones. This is usually oestrogen and progesterone, either alone or in a combination.

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