Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking estrogen, progesterone, or both to supplement low hormone levels. While HRT can provide benefits like relieving menopausal symptoms, there are some potential downsides to consider:
- There are certain health risks associated with HRT, especially when taken over an extended period of time. These risks depend on factors like the woman's age and the specific hormones used. Some potential risks include:
- Increased risk of breast cancer and cancer recurrence - Research indicates combination estrogen and progestin HRT can increase breast cancer risk, especially after taking it for over 5 years.
- Increased risk of blood clots - HRT raises the likelihood of blood clots forming in the veins or arteries. This risk appears highest during the first 1-2 years of HRT.
- Cardiovascular risks - HRT may increase the chance of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke for some women. The risk level depends on when HRT is started and the woman's risk profile.
- Gallbladder disease - Those taking estrogen HRT have an increased likelihood of needing gallbladder removal surgery.
- There are some potential side effects of HRT to be aware of:
- There may be potential interactions with other medicines the woman is taking.
- Discontinuing HRT can also come with some effects, depending on how long it had been taken. Stopping suddenly may trigger menopausal symptoms like hot flashes to come back. Slowly tapering off under a doctor's supervision is recommended.
At Hormone Wellness Institute, our caring medical staff specializes in customizing bioidentical hormone treatments to meet each patient's unique needs. If you're considering HRT, we'll take the time to understand your health history, discuss any downsides or risks, and design an optimal hormone regimen just for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Some key considerations if exploring HRT:
- Discuss with your doctor to evaluate if HRT is appropriate based on your menopause status, symptoms, medical history, risks and lifestyle
- Understand it's very much an individual decision - weigh pros and cons based on your health profile
- Follow dosage/administration carefully under medical supervision
- Have regular health checkups for early detection of any issues
- Report any new or concerning symptoms promptly to your doctor
- Be aware that low-dose, localized vaginal estrogen preparations tend to have less systemic effects/risks
There are certainly downsides and risks to weigh regarding HRT. But there may also be significant benefits in terms of relieving disruptive menopausal symptoms that impact quality of life. By carefully considering the pros and cons with your healthcare provider, HRT can potentially be used strategically and appropriately to help address menopause concerns. Personalized treatment plans from clinics like Hormone Wellness Institute that account for your medical profile can further help to mitigate risks.