A meta-analysis of 52 epidemiological studies has shown an increased risk of ovarian cancer with estrogen only and combined HRT. It is for your information and advice and should be used in consultation with your own medical practitioner. HRT: The history. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with this. OK More about cookies. Getting HRT may be inadvisable if you have a personal or family history of breast cancer or if you've ever had uterine cancer, liver disease, a blood clot, heart disease, high blood pressure, a heart attack, or a stroke.
It may also not be a good choice if you have uterine fibroids, since estrogen can make them grow bigger, and thus cause pain and bleeding. Discuss this concern with your doctor, who can help you weigh the risks.
The Women's Health Initiative trial didn't evaluate short-term use of HRT, but as noted, researchers reported an increase in heart disease, invasive breast cancer, and blood clots associated with long-term use. The WHI study, she wrote, "demonstrates that risks from the drug add up over time. Many bothersome symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes and mood swings, frequently get better on their own. One of the best things women can do, according to the National Cancer Institute NCI , is to adopt a healthy lifestyle -- including not smoking, getting regular exercise, and having a good, nutritious diet.
This will help lower your risk of bone loss, which increases as you age. You may also want to take calcium and vitamin D supplements. If you are at risk of heart disease or osteoporosis, and lifestyle changes don't seem to be working, there are many prescription drugs available to help ward off those conditions.
And there are a variety of nonhormonal therapies to treat bladder problems and vaginal dryness associated with menopause. Unfortunately, few effective alternative treatments exist for menopausal symptoms that are severe.
But many women seek relief from hot flashes, mood swings, and other annoying symptoms of menopause through yoga, wearing layers of loose-fitting cotton clothing, and relaxation exercises. They may also try alternative remedies such as foods that contain plant estrogens including soy products and whole-grain cereal , herbs such as black cohosh, and vitamin E and B complexes, according to the NCI.
The safety and effectiveness of these remedies is still being studied, so be sure to discuss your decision with your physician. Sarah Henry is an award-winning health writer specializing in parenting and social issues. She was a staff writer for the Center for Investigative Reporting for more than a decade, and has also reported on health issues for Hippocrates, Time Inc. Journal of the American Medical Association, Oct.
Susan L. Hendrix, DO; Barbara B. WHI Findings Summary. Vastag B. Hormone replacement therapy falls out of favor with expert committee. JAMA Apr 17; 15 A prospective, observational study of postmenopausal hormone therapy and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Ann Intern Med. Grady D, Hulley SB.
Hormones to prevent coronary disease in women: when are observational studies adequate evidence? Mosca L, et al. Hormone replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association. Circulation Jul 24; 4 Alexander KP et al. Initiation of hormone replacement therapy after acute myocardial infarction is associated with more cardiac events during follow-up.
J Am Coll Cardiol Jul;38 1 Clinician Reviews 7 9 , , 62, , Shumaker SA, et al. Chlebowski RT, et al. Influence of estrogen plus progestin on breast cancer and mammography in healthy menopausal women.
JAMA ; Li CI, et al. Relationship between long durations and different regimens of hormone therapy and risk of breast cancer. Estrogen plus progestin effects on breast cancer and mammograms. Much research has been done with the former, but additional research is still needed for the latter. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key risks and benefits in order to assist clinicians and patients confronting this issue.
In approaching the vast amount of data on HRT a caveat is in order: many of the issues involved are not black and white.
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