Hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy is predominately used to help curb menopausal symptoms. By using estrogen and progesterone supplements, relief from declining hormones in women's bodies can be both beneficial and detrimental. Since declining hormone levels in a woman's body is a natural reaction, some women would rather use natural remedies to avoid certain risks from hormone therapy, while others prefer the benefits and relief they receive from the supplements.
Bone Loss
As a woman ages, her bones become brittle from a lack of calcium and estrogen. By taking calcium supplements and hormone therapy, the bones become less brittle. Osteoporosis, a bone disease, can lead to more fractures. Hormones may stop the spread of this bone disorder.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Women with menopausal symptoms will most likely suffer hot flashes and night sweats. These symptoms can be disturbing for most women. Hot flashes can cause red blotchy skin on the face and neck, rapid heart rate and an increase in perspiration. Hormone therapy reduces hot flashes and night sweats, helping woman get more rest and become less anxious.
Heart Disease
Women who are menopausal and have a history of heart disease may benefit from hormone therapy. Hormone therapy has been shown to reduce heart problems in women taking hormone supplements. Natural estrogen has been linked to lowering the LDL and increasing the HDL in cholesterol, providing protection against heart disease. When estrogen in the body decreases, the risk of heart disease increases.
Blood Clots
Women with a history of blood clots should be advised not to take hormone therapy, as their risk will escalate with continued use. Blood clots can be debilitating to one's health, causing small or massive strokes.
Breast Cancer Risks
According to the Feb. 5, 2009 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, a recent study found that women taking estrogen along with progestin for five years or longer doubled their risk for breast cancer. As soon as one year after dropping the hormones, their risk returned to normal. This study did not apply to women taking only estrogen.
Conclusion
Hormone therapy is not all bad or all good. Depending on your medical history, you and your doctor will be able to determine if using hormone therapy is a good choice for you.
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