A Practical Guide to the Menopause HRT Decision

Many women experience uncomfortable symptoms prior to and following the onset of menopause. Symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, moodiness and sleep disorders vary tremendously among individuals. For some women they are hardly noticeable, or are nothing more than a slight inconvenience. For others symptoms are so persistent and intense, their ability to carry out routine daily life activities is compromised.

Often, menopause symptoms can be alleviated through lifestyle and dietary changes. Eating a mostly vegetarian diet featuring soy products can be a very effective treatment. Regular exercise and the practice of relaxation techniques may also help. But for those women whose symptoms are too severe to live with, the treatment most commonly prescribed is HRT (hormone replacement therapy).

Why HRT?

Declining levels of female hormones in the body are at the root of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause. In addition to experiencing hot flashes, headaches, and a host of other symptoms, women also become more susceptible to heart disease and osteoporosis as levels of the hormone estrogen decrease.

HRT was developed in response to the discomfort and health risks women experience prior to, during and after the onset of menopause. It involves the administration of hormones via medication – either tablets, patches or creams. Estrogen in combination with synthetic progesterone (progestin) is the most commonly used treatment, although estrogen may be administered alone. Other hormones are sometimes used in treatment, as well.

Why the Controversy?

When HRT was first administered, it was thought to reduce not only symptoms of menopause, but the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, as well. Recent studies indicate the benefits of HRT may well be outweighed by an increase in health risks, instead.

Long term studies have determined certain HRT medications may put women at greater risk for a host of diseases, including:

• Heart disease


• Strokes


• Blood clots


• Gall bladder disease


• Breast cancer


• Uterine cancer

These increased health risks are dependant upon the type of menopause HRT administered as well as the length of time of the treatment. Although the risks are confirmed, they are still considered minimal for most women with short term use.

In addition to these added health risks, there is now no substantial indication that HRT will help prevent osteoporosis long term.

How Do I Decide?

A practical approach is best when it comes to a woman’s decision about HRT. It makes sense to try more natural methods of symptom reduction prior to jumping into HRT. Should lifestyle changes and alternative treatment methods fail, women should consult in depth with their doctor before undertaking menopause HRT. Medical histories should be examined carefully, and efforts should be taken to ensure women take the lowest possible dosage of hormones on a short term basis for symptom relief only.

If in doubt about their physician’s recommendations, women should seek a second or even a third medical opinion regarding HRT. Menopause is not an illness, and HRT should always be a choice women feel comfortable opting for.