Hormone Replacement Therapy

HRT or hormone replacement therapy has been used in the past to regulate the body’s loss of estrogen or testosterone. But recent studies have shown that the risks can far outweigh the benefits of long-term hormone therapy in women.

In 2003 the FDA joined forces with several congressmen and women and launched a national campaign focusing on the risks of HRT.

The older a woman is advancing into menopause and looking into hormone replacement therapy to bring her through, the more susceptible she is during this treatment program for heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases.

If she smokes, drinks, is obese or has high blood pressure, this will increase her risk. Breast cancer is another factor to add in the HRT list of drawbacks.

Before agreeing to enter into HRT a woman has to understand the substantial risks that are involved and also be aware of alternative measures available.

The benefits of hormone replacement therapy are reduced hot flashes, increase in the desire to be intimate with your partner, and slowing bone loss. A woman should carefully consider if the benefits to her in entering into this type of program far outweigh the risks when she does.

There are natural herbs and other means to help regulate the onset of menopausal symptoms. These are discussed in the section Early Menopause on this website.

If a woman does decide to use hormone replacement therapy, she needs to talk extensively with her doctor and insist that she be started on the lowest dose available. Making the right choices will allow her to stay safe and healthy.