HRT Risks
HRT Risks
At certain age, some of our body functions do not work the way they used to work when we were young. Aging is caused due to certain internal body changes not only aging but also certain other problems like osteoporosis-a bone related disease, occurs due to hormonal changes in women. The hormonal changes are mostly related to age. The medical researchers after a lot of efforts managed to produce a solution for both men and women in the form of a Hormone Replacement Therapy. HRT is not only about women but also about men. HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy has two more names i.e. ERT Estrogen Replacement Therapy and Menopausal Replacement Therapy.
Every thing has some good as well as some bad aspects. It depends how we use it. There are some risks associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy. According to the researches, if hormone replacement therapy is used for a longer period i.e. more than 10 years then the risk factor for the breast cancer, uterine cancer, heart diseases and stroke arises.
It is recommended to start with a low dose for a short time of period. A meeting between a health provider and the person seeking therapy is a must in order to discuss her risk factors and benefits. The re-evaluation of the hormone in take is a must after every six months.
Who Should Avoid HRT?
It is not recommended to a woman to undergo HRT who have any of these problems like if a woman is suffering from vaginal bleeding due to some unknown cause. If she is suspected of breast cancer or has a history of breast cancer. If she has history of cancer of the uterus or endometrial cancer. If she is a patient of chronic liver disease. The risk of venous thrombosis or clotting of blood is not usually high in women but HRT can increase the risk in such women who has history of venous thrombosis or women who have had venous thrombosis during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills.
According to researches, the risk factor of breast cancer increases in women due to the long-term use of HRT but this is still not proved. Obesity is always considered bad, but interestingly the risk for breast cancer shoots up in thin women who take HRT or ERT.
HRT Benefits
HRT is not all about risks. It is beneficial. That is why, it is in practice. The most important benefit of HRT is to relieve woman from short-term symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, sweats and sleep problems. It is a very beneficial therapy for bone since it helps a lot in osteoporosis. The HRT may also be helpful in preventing Alzheimer Disease, colon cancer, and loss of vision related to age. HRT is bliss and can improve life of a woman if used with care. If used without knowing the risks and benefits, it can be the worst for a woman.
