The Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

When a woman suffers from menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can often help ease symptoms of hot flashes. The hormone replacement therapy usually contains the female sex hormone estrogen, boosting women s hormone levels back to normal levels as they age naturally. Besides combating hot flashes, it also helps prevent fractures and osteoporosis. Hormone replacement treatment is usually associated with reducing the risk of death from heart disease by about half for women who chose to take it.

Many women have seen dramatic increases in their life expectancy after beginning HRT. Unfortunately, not all women who have benefitted from the hormone replacement therapy experienced these benefits. Some women report no change in their symptoms or only a reduced risk of developing new cancers. This is because many women choose to use HRT only when their symptoms become intolerable or they experience other serious health problems. And many women chose to pursue an HRT option after suffering with menopause for many years.

Although the decreased risk of breast cancer seems to be accurate, other benefits of hormone replacement therapy should not be overlooked. Women who have taken HRT have been reported to enjoy lower incidences of stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis, blood clots, and bladder disease. The reduction in risk for these serious medical conditions can be particularly encouraging for women who have been forced to face the consequences of menopause without the benefit of alternative treatments for heart health.

The decreased risks of developing heart disease are especially encouraging. Statistics indicate that more than half of women aged 60 years and above have developed heart disease. This condition is associated with a variety of different risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. Many of these risk factors are associated with aging. However, there are many women aged 60 years and above who are not being affected by one or more of these risk factors and yet continue to suffer from heart problems. These women may benefit from hormone replacement therapy.

If you are experiencing menopause symptoms, the benefits of HRT should not be overlooked. HRT has been used successfully to help women deal with hot flashes and other menopause symptoms such as night sweats. It is also effective in alleviating symptoms associated with depression. Women who are experiencing hormone related symptoms such as depression can also benefit from using HRT. The use of HRT is especially effective during the last months of menopause, as it is most effective when taken in conjunction with lifestyle changes.

Another important benefit of using HRT is the prevention of Vasomotor Symptoms. Vasomotor symptoms are those symptoms that occur when a woman's body prepares to replace hormones that are being depleted by the menopause. Some of these symptoms include achy legs, mood swings, cramping, sweating, and other vasomotor symptoms. When women begin to experience these symptoms, they often try to eat away at the problem by exercising more. This is not a good idea, however. Exercise is a great tool to help relieve stress and prevent the onset of symptoms.

One other benefit of HRT is the reduction of the risk of developing breast cancer. Statistics show that as many as one in four women develop some form of cancer related to hormones. Among these cancers are breast cancer that develops in the pituitary gland and breast cancer that develops in the mammary duct. Women who have undergone hormone replacement therapy have an increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Some studies have even shown a decreased risk of developing prostate cancer.

The benefits of female or male hormone replacement therapy are a welcome addition to the treatment of menopause. Menopause can be a difficult time for women, but there is relief in sight if you work with your doctor to treat the symptoms of menopause as soon as you notice them. The symptoms of menopause can often be controlled, if not reversed, with the right medication. In addition, there are many natural remedies to help ease the symptoms of menopause and allow women to continue with their lives. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above, consult with your doctor to determine if hormone replacement therapy would be a good option for you.