Menopause and Hormone Replacement

Menopause
Menopause is the end of a woman's monthly menstrual periods. This usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 55. Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.

These symptoms are a result of a drop in levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The type, intensity, and length of menopause symptoms differ among women. If these symptoms are severe, they can affect your quality of life.

Your risk for heart disease increases with age and with the onset of menopause. Estrogen is believed to protect younger women from developing heart disease, but as you age, your estrogen levels begin to decrease.

Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a supplement of the hormone estrogen, with or without progesterone depending on whether a woman has had surgery to remove her uterus or not (hysterectomy). HRT can be prescribed as a pill, a patch or a gel. HRT has been shown to reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms.

HRT and Heart Disease
For some time, it was believed that HRT could help reduce the risk of heart disease in older women. But results from the most recent studies tell us that, for some women, taking hormones can actually increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer.

HRT can help with some symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and bone loss. If hormone replacement is used, it is recommended that hormones be used at the lowest dose for the shortest time needed.

The decision to take hormone replacement therapy should be based on each woman’s individual needs, risks and health. Talk with your doctor about your own potential risks and benefits