HRT as Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms

For years, HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy has been prescribed by many doctors as a solution to menopausal symptoms. Once menopause is reached, symptoms such as vaginal dryness, flashes, urinary problems, and mood swings make life a bit uncomfortable. To combat these symptoms, HRT is used to replace the hormones lost due to the aging process. However, recent medical studies have found out that Hormone Replacement Therapy is not so safe after all. Based on a study called as Women Health Initiative or WHI, HRT may increase the risks of developing heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, and blood clots in some cases.

Today, Hormone Replacement Therapy and its health advantages are still topics of debate. It’s therefore best to consult a health professional first before undergoing such a treatment.

Benefits of HRT

As a short-term treatment against menopausal symptoms, HRT can actually lessen your chances of developing heart disease, colorectal cancer, and osteoporosis. However, weighing the benefits of HRT against the risks is always a case-to-case basis.

Risks of HRT

Risks of HRT include heart disease in some cases, stroke, breast cancer, and blood clots. If you have any of these illnesses, consult your doctor first if HRT is right for you. Again, weighing the possible risks of HRT is a case-to-case basis. As a result of these possible risks, women who are undergoing HRT may need to undergo additional testing and mammograms.

The best approach to HRT is to consult a doctor when weighing the risks and benefits. Because this treatment is quite controversial and it raises a lot of issues regarding its benefits and risks, you can always go for other options when dealing with menopausal symptoms. In some cases, mild hot flashes can be dealt with by changing your diet or by maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Other treatment options for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes include dietary supplements and antidepressants in low doses. Some menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes gradually fade so in many cases, these symptoms don’t need treatment at all.

Sources:
Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic