For women whose menopause-related symptoms are disruptive to their daily lives, hormone replacement therapy can represent significant relief. However, the treatment has become controversial because of studies that revealed significant health risks for women who were using hormone replacement therapy.
Moreover, some over-the-counter substances, often derived from plant substances that mimic the effects of estrogen, have been advertised as "natural" hormone replacement therapy. The safety and effectiveness of these substances has not been determined by the Food and Drug Administration, however.
What Is Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is designed to supplement or replace the presence of estrogen (and sometimes progesterone) for women in or nearing the process of menopause. The therapy can be taken orally, as a cream, or as a vaginal ring or a patch applied to the skin. It is prescribed by a physician for women to relieve the symptoms of menopause or for women who have undergone a hysterectomy of the uterus, ovaries, or both.
Reduction of Menopause Related Symptoms
For women nearing menopause, their bodies may undergo changes that can be uncomfortable or even disruptive. Hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness are all symptoms of perimenopause, or the period immediately preceding menopause, when a woman's uterus begins to slow, and then end the monthly process of ovulation. For many women, hormone replacement therapy provides significant relief.
Reduced Risks for Other Diseases
According to the Mayo Clinic, hormone replacement therapy may be beneficial in the prevention or reduced risk of several health risks, especially for younger menopausal or perimenopausal women. These reduced risks are for heart disease, osteoporosis and colorectal cancer.
Increased Cancer Risk
However, hormone also has risks. A study conducted by the Women's Health Initiative showed that HRT can increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. There is also some evidence that HRT may increase the risk of uterine cancer, endometrial cancer and uterine cancer, especially when estrogen is taken alone.
Other Risks
Some women experience unpleasant side effects with HRT, such as bloating and breast tenderness, or a return of monthly periods. There are also significant health risks associated with HRT, including increased risk of blood clots and of dementia. These risks are especially significant when HRT is started or continued in older women over the age of 60 or 65.
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