What is HRT (hormone Replacement Therapy)?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) usually involves treatment with either estrogen alone or estrogen in combination with progesterone.  A synthetic hormone, Progestin with effects similar to those of progesterone, may be used as a substitute. The use of HRT can effectively double hormone levels in post-menopause women, but this therapy does not produce the natural bio-identical hormone found in the body or natural levels seen before menopause. Ref2

Risks of HRT

·         The Women’s Health Initiative study of 16000 healthy woman,  was discontinued early in 2002, when investigators reported that the overall risks of estrogen plus progestin outweighed the benefits.ref4

·         According to recent studies, HRT with estrogen plus progestin may increase the risk of: Dementia by 50 percent-in women age 65 and older.ref8 ; Blood clots by 50 percent.ref4 ; Stroke by 41 percent.ref4 ; Heart disease by 29 percent.ref4; Breast cancer by 26 percent.ref4 ; Risk of death from ovarian cancer-in women who used estrogens for 10 or more years.ref9

·         To date, HRT has not been proven beneficial in older women with pre-existing heart disease. Ref7.  Additionally, the use of estrogen plus progestin hasn't been shown to affect post-menopausal women's general health, vitality, mental health, depressive symptoms, or sexual satisfaction.ref10

Benefits of HRT using estrogen plus progestin:

·         Relief for menopausal symptoms ref4

·          Fewer cases of hip and spine factures ref4

·          Reduction in the risk of developing colon cancer by 37 percent was reported among women using estrogen plus progestin.ref4.  Studies do suggest, however, that to maintain bone density, women must continue taking the hormone.

While some benefits have been noted the general consensus is that the risks outweigh the benefits. Women should consider less risky safer alternatives in discussion with their health care specialist. Safer more effective therapies may become available in the future. Always seek to make an informed decision if it involves drugs.

Also feel free to browse our page on "NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO HRT" 

References

1. Dr. Madeline Behrendt. Menopause without interference. http://minniepauz.com/madeline3.html
2. American Chiropractic Associaton (ACA). Hormone Replacement Therapy. http://www.amerchiro.org/content_css.cfm?CID=75
3. Brett KM, Madans JH. Use of menopausal hormone replacement therapy: estimates from a nationally representative cohort study. Am J Epidemiology 1997;145(6):536-45.
4. Writing Group for the Women's Health Initiative. Risks and benefits of combined estrogen and progestin in healthy menopausal women: Principal results from the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2002;288:321-333.
5. Chlebowski RT, Hendrix SL, Langer RD, Stefanick ML, Gass M, Lane D, et al. Estrogen Plus Progestin Influence on Breast Cancer and Mammography in Healthy Postmenopausal Women in the Women's Health Initiative Randomized Trial. JAMA 2003;289:3243.
6. Schairer C, Lubin J, Troisi R, Sturgeon S, Brinton L, Hoover R. Menopausal estrogen and estrogen-progestin replacement therapy and breast cancer risk. JAMA 2000;283(4):485-491.
7. Grady D, Herrington D, Bittner V, Blumenthal R, Davidson M, Hlatky M, et al. Cardiovascular disease outcomes during 6.8 years of hormone therapy. JAMA 2002; 288:49-57.
8. Shumaker, SA, Legault C, Rapp SR, Thal L, Wallace RB, Ockene JK, et al. Estrogen plus progestin and the incidence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women. JAMA 2003;289:2651-2662.
9. Rodriguez C, Patel AV, Calle EE, Jacob EJ, Thun MJ. Estrogen replacement therapy and ovarian cancer mortality in a large prospective study of US women. JAMA 2001;285(11):1460-1465.
10. Hays J, Ockene JK, Brunner RL, Kotchen JM, Manson JE, Patterson RE, et al. Effects of estrogen plus progestin on health-related quality of life. N Engl J Med 2003;348: 1839-54.
11. Keller C, Fullerton J, Mobley C. Supplemental and complementary alternatives to hormone replacement therapy. Amer Acac Nurse Pract 1999;11(5):187-98