Hormone Therapy:

Women in today’s society have a difficult decision to make when considering the question whether or not to undergo hormone replacement therapy, also known as HRT.

Healthcare professionals, themselves, are divided on this issue. I recommend hormone therapy for some, but not all, women who are postmenopausal.

The question of whether hormone therapy is right for you cannot be answered with a simple yes or no.

The decision should be influenced by a number of factors, including: what are your physical symptoms caused by declining hormonal levels, what is your individual risk for osteoporosis and heart disease, and what is your risk for cancer of the breast or reproductive system.

It is important for each woman to become informed of both the benefits and risks of HRT. Hormone therapy may be helpful to you if you do not have ovaries or they are non-functioning, if you begin to experience menopause before age 45, if you experience extreme menopausal discomfort, or if you are at high risk for osteoporosis.

HRT should be avoided if you have a family history of uterine or ovarian cancers, if you have large fibroids (benign uterine tumors) or if you have blood clotting problems.

The current trend is to limit estrogen replacement, primarily to women who are symptomatic with hot flashes.

Since hormonal changes are a normal part of mid-life, and many women experience few discomforts with menopause, the majority of postmenopausal women still do not take hormones.

With limited recommendations for HRT, women are now placed at a higher risk for osteoporosis.

Other risk factors for osteoporosis include Caucasian or Asian descent, slender body build (which stores less estrogen), early menopause, smoking, excessive use of alcohol, low calcium diet, sedentary lifestyle, and history of osteoporosis.

This is why I generally suggest that women, especially postmenopausal women who are not taking hormone replacement, obtain a Dexascan within two years after her last menstrual cycle.

A Dexascan x-ray is a test that measures the bone density to estimate bone strength.

If the results are concerning a medication such as Evista or Fosamax may be recommended.

Every woman entering menopause should have a physical exam and talk with her medical provider about her overall health, her family history and her physical and psychological concerns.

Working with your doctor to assess your risk factors should help you in determining if HRT is right for you.

Though your medical provider is available to help, the ultimate decision belongs to you.

To learn more about hormone replacement therapy, talk to your healthcare provider.