Hormone replacement therapy is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments
in the United States, designed to replace estrogen, the hormone that decreases
with age. Researchers developed the concept of hormone replacement therapy ("HRT")
in the mid-1960s, and HRT has been used to ease symptoms of menopause,
protecting against menopause-related health risks.
Although millions of women undergo HRT treatment, this may not be the
only choice for everyone. Health care professionals have advised women
to research and learn as much information as they can in considering the
personal benefits and risks. Estrogen and progesterone are produced naturally
by the ovaries until the start of menopause, when production gradually
reduces, eventually stopping. Both these hormones are necessary for the
proper functioning of the reproductive system. Estrogen has many other
important roles in the body as well. Millions of women throughout the
world undergo hormone replacement therapy to ease the symptoms of menopause
and to protect against menopause-related health risks such as osteoporosis.
Not every woman experiences bothersome symptoms of menopause. But in
women who do, hormone replacement therapy may ease these symptoms.
Hormone replacement therapy may help protect women against osteoporosis,
a disease that weakens bones. Major studies have reported that women who
take estrogen after menopause experience fewer bone fractures than women
who do not. Hormone replacement therapy has been available in the form
of tablets, implants, skin patches, and creams. Benefits of hormone replacement
therapy may often include the control of menopausal symptoms, prevention of
heart disease, osteoporosis prevention, and the prevention of hard to
detect cancers.
The symptoms that can result from decreased estrogen production have
been well documented over the year.
In the United States, heart disease is the number-one killer of men and
women. Prior to menopause, a woman has a reduced chance for heart disease
than a man does, but after menopause, a woman's risk begins to increase
toward that of a man's.
Changes in estrogen levels after menopause may be accompanied by changes
in lipid levels in the blood, especially with various types of cholesterol.
Changes are considered to be definitive factors in the increased incidence
of heart attacks and atherosclerosis, also known as "hardening of
the arteries." Hormone replacement therapy may be able to correct
these unfavorable lipid changes.
There are various studies that have shown hormone replacement therapy
may even be a protective measure against osteoarthritis, also known as
degenerative joint disease, accounting for most of the hip and knee replacement
operations in the elderly. As with osteoporosis prevention, HRT must be
taken for many years to continue this protective effect. Extensive research
has shown hormone replacement therapy may have additional benefits for
women after menopause.
Memory loss and mental function- Estrogen may protect against some memory
loss and improved learning, even in some Alzheimer's disease patients.
Colorectal cancer- some Studies have pointed to a decreased risk in colorectal
cancer in women who take HRT.
Diabetes- HRT may help women with diabetes control blood sugar levels
better after menopause.
Urinary tract infections- Women may experience an increase in urinary
tract infections during menopause; the use of estrogen may help the body
resist infection.
Teeth- Estrogen therapy patients are less likely to lose their teeth,
because the same properties that help prevent bone loss apply to preventing
bone loss in the mouth.
Vision- There is evidence that HRT may prevent glaucoma and macular degeneration,
two common causes of blindness.
Work with your specialist to understand more about HRT. It may be an
option for you if you suffer from the innumerable symptoms that HRT can
alleviate. It is important to be open with your physician about all your
health related conditions- so that you can determine the right course
of treatment for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
