Pros & Cons of Using Hormone Replacement Therapy

by Mary Flinn

Overview

Pros & Cons of Using Hormone Replacement Therapy

For decades, women in or past menopause were given hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, to lessen the symptoms of menopause and protect against menopause-related health risks. The estrogen-only or estrogen-progestin synthetic hormones took over where Mother Nature left off. But in 2002, a large clinical trial, Women's Health Initiative, revealed long-term HRT can pose serious health threats. Before beginning a regime, women should carefully weigh the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy.
Osteoporosis

Hormone replacement therapy can protect against bone loss that leads to osteoporosis, decreasing the risk of broken bones (Mayo Clinic, 2008).

Heart Disease

Research suggests estrogen-only replacement therapy may decrease the risk of heart disease if taken early in menopause (Mayo Clinic, 2008).
Colorectal Cancer

Some studies suggest the use of hormone replacement therapy may lead to a decreased risk of colorectal cancer (Mayo Clinic, 2008).
Menopausal Symptoms

Hormonal replacement therapy can ease night sweats and hot flashes as well as vaginal itching, dryness and burning (Mayo Clinic, 2008).
Blood Clots

Women taking hormone replacement therapy may be at an increased risk of developing blood clots (Women's Health Initiative, 2002).
Stroke

Hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of stroke (Women's Health Initiative, 2002).
Breast Cancer

Hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of invasive breast cancer (Women's Health Initiative, 2002).