Hormone replacement therapy in menopause

For a long time, hormone replacement therapy has been the gold standard for treatment of menopausal symptoms. Advertising extolled the benefit of this therapy for health and, in particular, the beneficial role that hormonal replacement therapy plays in the prevention of heart disease in women.

However, a study has received in the United States called the Women's Health Initiative, showed that hormone replacement therapy does not protect women against heart disease. In fact, long-term hormone replacement therapy (estrogen or combination estrogen and progesterone) slightly increased the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and thrombosis in elderly women. And although the increased risk was small, this discovery marked a real revolution in thinking about the protective role of hormone therapy.

Additional studies confirmed that combined hormone therapy (estrogen and progesterone) increases the risk of breast cancer in women with intact uterus in menopause. Women with low risk of developing breast cancer who took only estrogen were identified deviations in the results of mammograms, but the risk of developing breast cancer in these women has not increased.

On the other hand, hormone replacement therapy (combined estrogen and only) play a positive role in reducing the risk of developing colon cancer and protect bones from osteoporosis. The number of fractures in women taking hormone replacement medication, was lower than in women, they are not given. In addition, hormone replacement therapy remains the most effective treatment for certain symptoms of menopause.

The main conclusion of these studies is that for most women the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy outweigh its benefits. But studies of estrogen and progesterone on the heart continues. Therefore, every woman can weigh all the pros and cons and make a decision, given the state of their own health. The latest research may lead to different results in younger women (from 50 to 59 years) receiving hormone replacement therapy.

What is recommended now?

If hormone replacement therapy used to treat symptoms of menopause, should be appointed by the minimum dose, and treatment should be as short as possible.

The short course of treatment with low doses of hormones may be shown in the following cases:

· Tides

· Unpleasant sensations in the vagina

· Risk of developing osteoporosis (if you can not use other drugs)

Hormone replacement therapy should never be used to prevent heart disease.
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The final decision on the appointment of hormone replacement therapy depends on the symptoms of menopause and the risk of developing other diseases. Before treatment weigh all the pros and cons with their physician and take a decision, it is best for your case.
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