As women begin to enter menopause, they can be confronted with some very “life altering” symptoms. Among these symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, depression, vaginal dryness and incontinence. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be very useful in relieving these symptoms and in helping you resume a normal life. HRT can also provide some long-term protection against heart disease, osteoporosis and colon cancer.
Definition
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the administering of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone to minimize the symptoms of menopause in women. Estrogen Replacement Therapy became widely known in 1964 with the publishing of an article by New York gynecologist Robert A. Wilson entitled “Feminine Forever.” Dr. Wilson praised estrogen therapy claiming it would prevent women from having the agonizing symptoms of menopause.
Safety
Questions remain regarding the safety of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Scientist have noted a relationship between long-term use and uterine and breast cancer. There are also some potential side effects such as anxiousness, sore breasts, headaches, tenseness, depression, fluid retention, high blood pressure, and increased risk of stroke and weight gain.
Benefits
Many women using HRT have reported positive results and relief from the side effects of menopause. To some women, relief of these symptoms is worth the risk of taking Hormone Replacement Therapy. The most significant benefit reported by women taking HRT is the relief from “hot flashes.” Estrogens are very effective in relieving this major symptom of menopause. Most women also report improvement in their mood and mental outlook and seem to have increased energy levels.
Disease Prevention
Estrogen therapy is effective in combating osteoporosis. Estrogen increases bone mass by inhibiting “osteoclasts,” cells which eat away the bone. Estrogen helps produce “osteoblasts,” cells that build new bones. Estrogen therapy is most effective in reducing and preventing osteoporosis with long term use of 10 years or more.
HRT can also be beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Low estrogen levels have always been considered a factor in cardiovascular disease in women. Estrogen also helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Women benefiting most in the reduction of cardiovascular disease by HRT therapy are those with a family history of heart disease, smokers, women with high blood pressure and obese women.
A study by the National Cancer Institute has shown women using HRT therapy have a significantly lower risk of developing colon cancer than those who have never used hormones.
Role of Progesterone
To combat the effects of estrogen, progesterone is often prescribed for HRT along with estrogen. Progesterone neutralizes the effect of a stress hormone called cortisol, which is released with the use of estrogen. It is also a diuretic, antidepressant and stimulates bone growth to aid in preventing osteoporosis.
Sources:
http://womens-health.health-cares.net/natural-hormone-replacement-therapy.php
http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/hrt/hrt_benefits-hrt.htm
http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/hrt/hrt_hrt_risks-of-ERT.htm
http://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/treatment/
http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/hrt/hrt_hrt_when.htm
