Hormones for Menopause: Yes or No

By HelloLife

Hormones for menopause

Hormones that are used to alleviate menopausal symptoms are called hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. The four hormones include estrogen, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and progesterone. Hormone replacement therapy comes in the following forms: gels, patches, pills, rings, and vaginal creams. They are all considered to contain the same risks and benefits. They are offered in these varied forms for individual preference, not medicinal value.

The benefits of hormone replacement therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is the most effective medication offered in the pharmaceutical industry. Hormone replacement therapy is designed to effectively allay hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness during a woman's menopausal years. Some credit has also been given to hormone replacement therapy and its properties to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy is thought to provide cessation or reduction in the activity of bone-loss causing cells and spine fractures.

The risks of hormone replacement therapy

The risks of hormone replacement therapy need to be carefully considered. Hormone replacement therapy may very well increase the risk of blood clots, breast cancer, gall bladder disease, heart attacks, and stroke. To the woman who still has her uterus, increased hormones increase the risk of endometrial cancer. It should be noted that hormone replacement therapy does not offer long-term affects. In other words, when a woman starts hormone replacement therapy, she needs to keep taking it or the "benefits" will be subsided. There are no long-lasting beneficial effects. Studies are still being conducted as to the safety of hormone replacement therapy. It's unsure what the effects of hormone replacement therapy may have on women who have had a hysterectomy. Specifically, the direct affect of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis are unknown in these women.

Yes or no?

Hormone replacement therapy offers benefits and risks. You need to make the decision. You need to do the research for yourself because only you can make this decision. Talk to your medical physician and other women who have gone through their menopausal years and take note of their input. Whatever you decide, it's generally agreed that hormone replacement therapy should be taken at the lowest dose possible for the shortest time possible.

What else can you do?

After you'se made your decision about hormone replacement therapy, there are some other options available to ease the unwanted symptoms of menopause. For instance, eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, vitamins D and K, stop smoking, maintain a healthy weight, take natural supplements to address your menopause symptoms in a safe and natural way, reduce alcohol consumption, and exercise regularly. All these suggestions will help you during your menopausal years. You can also take note of your surroundings. Eliminate potential risks for falls since most menopausal women are at risk for osteoporosis. You can keep your floors clear of clutter, install bars in the bath or shower, use a rubber bathmat, have your vision checked, use a walking implement, and use a flashlight at night. Truly, it's your choice how you handle your health during menopause. You're the only one who can make this decision. Hormones for menopause - yes or no? You're the only one who can answer this question.

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