There are still significant risks to hormone therapy: “What are the risks of hormone therapy? In the largest clinical trial to date, hormone replacement therapy that consisted of an estrogen-progestin pill (Prempro) increased the risk of certain serious conditions, including: Heart disease Stroke Blood clots Breast cancer …. All of these risks should be considered by you and your doctor when deciding whether hormone therapy might be an option for you.“ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/in-depth/hormone-therapy/ART-20046372 “How does hormone therapy affect my risk of cancer? Estrogen-only therapy causes the lining of the uterus to thicken, which increases the risk of endometrial cancer. Adding progestin decreases this risk. Combined hormone therapy is associated with a small increased risk of breast cancer. Women with a history of hormone-sensitive breast cancer should try nonhormonal therapies first to treat menopause symptoms. Combined hormone therapy also may reduce the risk of colon cancer.” “Who should not take hormone therapy? Systemic hormone therapy usually is not recommended if you have ever had: Breast or endometrial cancer Stroke Heart attack Blood clots Liver disease Hormone therapy also is not for pregnant women. Stop taking hormone therapy if you get pregnant or think you may be pregnant.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hormone-therapy-for-menopause :: Much more info available at the links. |
I think we should also list the things it protects you from? Like vaginal atrophy and osteoporosis? All of this is really important to discuss with a doctor and full medical history. |
Re: hormone therapy for osteoporosis: “Are hormones used to treat osteoporosis? Estrogen, sometimes paired with progestin, was once commonly used to treat osteoporosis. This treatment can increase the risk of blood clots, endometrial cancer, breast cancer and possibly heart disease. It's now usually reserved for women at high risk of fracture who can't take other osteoporosis drugs. Women who are considering hormone replacement therapy to reduce menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, may factor in increased bone health when weighing the benefits and risks of estrogen treatment. Current recommendations say to use the lowest dose of hormones for the shortest period of time. Raloxifene (Evista) mimics estrogen's beneficial effects on bone density in postmenopausal women, without some of the risks associated with estrogen. Taking this drug can reduce the risk of some types of breast cancer. Hot flashes are a common side effect. Raloxifene may also increase your risk of blood clots.” …. “Don't rely entirely on medication as the only treatment for your osteoporosis. These practices also are important: Exercise. Weight-bearing physical activity and exercises that improve balance and posture can strengthen bones and reduce the chance of a fracture. The more active and fit you are as you age, the less likely you are to fall and break a bone. Good nutrition. Eat a healthy diet and make certain that you're getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Quit smoking. Smoking cigarettes speeds up bone loss. Limit alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy women, that means up to one drink a day. For healthy men, it would be up to two drinks a day.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/in-depth/osteoporosis-treatment/art-20046869 Again, much more info at the link. |