By replenishing the hormones that the body stops making during menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to improve menopause symptoms. Although HRT can be a successful treatment, it’s crucial to be aware of any possible side effects. According to research, taking HRT may

Risk of Breast Cancer

When the treatment is stopped, the slight increase in risk usually goes away.

Age also raises the chance of breast cancer, therefore your risk will vary depending on your personal situation.

Blood Clots

HRT can raise the risk of blood clots, which can result in pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If you have a history of blood clots during the first year of treatment, the risk is increased.

Heart Disease and Stroke

The risk of heart disease and stroke can be raised with HRT. Women who start HRT beyond the age of 60, who have been taking it for more than ten years, or who have additional risk factors including smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are at a higher risk.

Ovarian Cancer

The risk of ovarian cancer is generally low, but some studies have suggested that the use of HRT may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Specifically, research has shown that women who use estrogen-only HRT for 5 years or more may have a slightly higher risk of ovarian cancer than women who do not use HRT. However, the absolute increase in risk is small, and the overall risk of developing ovarian cancer remains low.

Other Dangers

Additionally, HRT may raise the chance of various medical issues like dementia, urinary incontinence, and gallbladder disease.

Risks Reduction

When using HRT, there are steps you can take to lower your risk. For instance:

• Use the smallest HRT dose necessary to control your symptoms.
• Take HRT for as little period as feasible.
• Change from tablets to patches or gels instead, as they have a decreased risk of blood clots.
• Keep your weight in check, consume a balanced diet, and work out frequently.
• Stop smoking.
• To keep an eye on your health, visit your doctor for routine checkups.

Before beginning HRT, it’s crucial to discuss the potential dangers and advantages with your doctor. It’s crucial to go to routine checkups if you decide to use HRT in order to monitor your health and, if necessary, modify your medication.