The lower levels of hormones that occur during
menopause often lead to symptoms such as
hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and thin bones (
osteoporosis). For some women, many of these changes will go away over time without treatment. Other women choose to take HRT -- medications that contain estrogen or estrogen with progestin (another hormone). This therapy works by replacing the natural estrogen your body loses during menopause.
Like all medicines, HRT has risks and benefits. If you are considering it for treatment of your
menopause symptoms, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about this therapy after reading this article. If you decide to use HRT, use it at the lowest dose that relieves your symptoms. Also, use it for the shortest time necessary to achieve results.
How Does HRT Help With Menopause?
HRT can help alleviate the symptoms of menopause in the following ways:
- Reduce hot flashes
- Treat vaginal dryness
- Slow down bone loss.
Who Should Not Take HRT for Menopause?
Hormone replacement therapy is not appropriate for every woman dealing with the
signs of menopause. Women who should not use HRT include those who:
- Think they are pregnant
- Have problems with vaginal bleeding
- Have had certain kinds of cancers
- Have had a stroke or heart attack in the past year
- Have had blood clots
- Have liver disease.
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