Hrt And Cancer There Is Strong Evidence That Using Hrt Raises A Womans Risk Of Breast Ovarian And Uterine Cancers At The Same Time It May Lower The Risk Of Colorectal Cancer
Combined HRT for menopause is a known cause of breast cancer, mainly in women who recently used or are still using the therapy. There is also some evidence suggesting that estrogen-only HRT may also increase the risk of breast cancer.
Studies suggest that both combined and estrogen-only HRT increase a womans risk of ovarian cancer but the risk is low.
Indications For Hormone Replacement Therapy
Current guidelines advise that HRT should be considered for troublesome vasomotor symptoms in perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women without contra-indications and after individualised discussion of likely risks and benefits.
Starting HRT in women over the age of 60 years is generally not recommended.
For women with premature or early menopause, current guidelines recommend sex steroid replacement until the age of 51 years for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms and for bone and cardiovascular protection.
Current indications for the use of HRT are:
- For the treatment of menopausal symptoms where the risk:benefit ratio is favourable, in fully informed women.
- For women with early menopause until the age of natural menopause , even if they are asymptomatic.
- For those women under 60 years who are at risk of an osteoporotic fracture in whom non-oestrogen treatments are unsuitable.
Benefits Of Hormone Replacement Therapy You Need To Know
Whether youre a man or woman, imbalanced hormone levels can impact your life in a negative way. Imbalanced hormones can throw your body completely out of balance and cause you to have mood swings, weight gain, memory loss and even acne.
If youre looking to sleep better, reduce hot flashes, improve your sex life, hormone replacement therapy might be the key to solving your hormone imbalance.
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To Reap Benefits Of Hormone Replacement Therapy Sooner Is Better
The studies that found hormone therapy lowered the risk of heart attack involved tens of thousands of women between the ages of 35 and 55. They started to take the medication when they first began to feel uncomfortable or as they reached menopause. In the Womens Health Initiative study, though, the investigators tested a much older population with an average age of 63. Thats more than a decade after women typically reach menopause.
This led to a new idea: The therapy might protect heart health with less risk of breast cancer if women take it before they turn 60.
For hormone therapy to slow down heart disease, a womans blood vessels need to be clean and healthy, Hodis says. If vessels are already diseasedwhich can happen once women are well beyond menopauseestrogen wont help much.
Women who started hormone therapy within six years of menopause had less hardening of their arteries.
Hodis and his colleagues investigated this theory in a study that included hundreds of healthy postmenopausal women. Their results in 2016showed promise. Women who started hormone therapy within six years of menopause had less hardening of their arteries, known as atherosclerosis, and that translates to lower heart attack and stroke risk. But it didnt help women in the study who were already 10 years past menopause.
Researchers are still trying to understand why hormone therapy is more effective in women closer to menopause, but Hodis has a theory.
Talking To Your Doctor About Hormone Replacement Therapy
Talking to your doctor and discussing the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy can help you understand your options and whats best for you and your health.
It’s important to tell your Moreland OB-GYN provider everything you know about your medical history. Let them know if you have a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, cancer, and if you are a current or former smoker. Keeping a close track of all your menopause symptoms can also help your doctor decide the best treatment course.
Once you start hormone replacement therapy, it’s essential you follow up with your doctor to discuss any symptoms or side effects you experience. If you decide hormone therapy is not the best option for you, your doctor can discuss natural ways to help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Stress management through relaxation and meditation
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Avoiding alcohol
- Developing a relaxing bedtime routine and sleep schedule
Moreland OB-GYN is proud to have Menopause Practitioners certified by the North American Menopause Society on staff. All of our providers are dedicated to helping women through this stage of their life by providing in-depth knowledge of the treatments available.
Our team of caring providers will take the time to listen and answer any questions you have about hormone replacement therapy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards a happier, healthier life during and after menopause.
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Who Shouldnt Use Hrt:
The benefits of hormone therapy are well understood, but your doctor may decide HRT is not right for you if you have had
You also shouldnt use HRT if theres any chance you might be pregnant.
*If women experience unwanted side effects when taking HRT for the first time, these symptoms can usually be resolved by changing the type, dose or route of HRT . It is important that women are aware that, for the vast majority under the age of 60 years, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy outweigh any risks.
Menopause: What Are The Benefits And Risks Of Long
Hormone therapy can help ease symptoms of menopause. But it is associated with a lot of serious risks if used over the long term. Although the treatment lowers the risk of bone fractures, it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer.
Womens hormone levels change during the time leading up to menopause . This can lead to hot flashes, sweats and mood swings. Some women have such severe symptoms that they start looking for treatments. One treatment option is hormone therapy with estrogen, or with a combination of estrogen and progestin. Combination drugs are generally used because estrogen can lead to growths in the lining of the womb when used alone. So estrogen-only medications are only suitable for women who have had a hysterectomy .
In the past it was thought that taking hormones for a long time after menopause can protect women from serious diseases. But this assumption turned out to be wrong. On the contrary: It is now clear that this treatment actually increases the risk of certain serious diseases. These include:
- Blood clots in the legs or in the lungs
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Meet The Women Changing Conversations About Menopause
There are many menopause experts, including me, who feel very strongly that for women with moderate to severe hot flashes, it’s actually far safer to take post menopause estrogen than to NOT take estrogen. Thats because we now know hot flashes correlate very strongly with heart disease, breast cancer, problems with cognitive function and osteoporosis.
Knock out the flashes and you will likely live longer and better than if you decide to tough it out for the next 10 years.
So, if you havent already, you should talk to your doctor about your options. If your own doctor is not an expert in menopause or hormone therapy, the North American Menopause Society is your best resource to find a clinician who is.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking Estrogen
Estrogen therapy, with or without progesterone, is consistently effective in relieving menopausal symptoms. Estrogen therapy is also beneficial for preventing some estrogen deficiency symptoms.
The benefits of taking estrogen are clear in some of the conditions arising from menopause, but results are mixed in some. Following is an analysis of estrogen therapy benefits in menopause-related conditions:
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Who Shouldnt Use Hrt
The benefits of hormone therapy are well understood, but your doctor may decide HRT is not right for you if you have had
Breast cancer
Liver disease
You also shouldnt use HRT if theres any chance you might be pregnant.
*If women experience unwanted side effects when taking HRT for the first time, these symptoms can usually be resolved by changing the type, dose, or route of HRT . It is important that women are aware that, for the vast majority under the age of 60 years, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy outweigh any risks.
Does Having Or Not Having A Uterus Make A Difference In Deciding What Type Of Hormone Therapy I Should Take
Yes, it does.
If you still have your uterus:
Progesterone is used along with estrogen. Taking estrogen without progesterone increases your risk for cancer of the endometrium . During your reproductive years, cells from your endometrium are shed during menstruation. When the endometrium is no longer shed, estrogen can cause an overgrowth of cells in your uterus, a condition that can lead to cancer.
Progesterone reduces the risk of endometrial cancer by making the endometrium thin. If you take progesterone, you may have monthly bleeding, or no bleeding at all, depending on how the hormone therapy is taken. Monthly bleeding can be lessened and, in some cases, eliminated by taking progesterone and estrogen together continuously.
If you no longer have your uterus :
You typically won’t need to take progesterone. This is an important point because estrogen taken alone has fewer long-term risks than HT that uses a combination of estrogen and progesterone.
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Who Should Not Take Hrt
The following list includes reasons someone should not take HRT: They think they are pregnant, have blood clots, have liver disease, or have had a stroke or heart attack. The treatment is intended for individuals who need higher levels of estrogen. Speak to your doctor to learn if you are a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy.
What Does Estrogen Do
Estrogen and progesterone are steroid hormones naturally occurring in the body. Though commonly known as female sex hormones, males also have estrogen and progesterone in low levels.
Estrogen plays an important role in the development and regulation of the sexual and reproductive system. Estrogen also stimulates egg production by the ovaries. Apart from the reproductive system, estrogen has effects on almost the entire body including:
- Gastrointestinal system
The central nervous system functions such as:
The body produces three forms of estrogen:
- Estradiol: Produced by the ovary and predominant in premenopausal women.
- Estrone: Formed from estradiol in a chemical reaction predominant after menopause.
- Estriol: Secreted by the placenta during pregnancy, and also derived as a metabolite from estradiol and estrone.
Progesterone is a form of progestogen, another important hormone produced by the body. Progesterone prepares the uterus to receive the fertilized egg by thickening the uterine lining , and supports pregnancy. Progestin is a synthetic progestogen used in the preparation of hormonal medications.
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Misconceptions Surrounding Hormone Replacement Therapy
Many women who come into New Beginnings OB-GYN are wary of HRT because they want to go through menopause naturally, or theyre afraid that HRT may be dangerous.
The bad press hormone replacement therapy has received is largely derived from just two studies that took place in the 1990s, which showed there may be an increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease amongst women receiving HRT. More recent studies, however, have shown that there appears to be a far smaller risk than the initial findings may have suggested.
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What Is Known About Hormone Therapy And The Risk Of Heart Disease
Scientists continue to learn about the effects of HT on the heart and blood vessels. Many large clinical trials have attempted to answer questions about HT and heart disease. Some have shown positive effects in women who started HT within 10 years of menopause some have shown negative effects when started greater than 10 years of menopause. Some studies have raised more questions about the potential benefits of HT.
Based on the data, the American Heart Association issued a statement for use of HT. They say:
- Hormone therapy for the sole purpose of preventing heart disease is not recommended.
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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Hormone Replacement Therapy For Menopause
Menopause occurs when a woman’s reproductive hormones naturally decline, and she no longer menstruates, which may result in undesirable or uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, hormone replacement treatment has been clinically proven to help decrease these symptoms, allowing you to navigate menopause with ease.
Risk #3 Increased Chance Of Heart Attack
Overall if you are on hormonal replacement therapy, you are at low risk for developing a heart issue. The risk also depends on several factors such as your age, family history, family factors along with your lifestyle habits.
The benefits typically outweigh the risks if you are in good health and are not experiencing any issues.
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Traditional Natural Hormone Replacement Therapies
Traditional natural HRTs involve consuming plants or supplements containing compounds that may alleviate hormonal symptoms.
Some plants and supplements that people may take to treat hormonal symptoms include:
- phytoestrogens, which are dietary estrogens found in legumes, seeds, and whole grains
It is also tricky for doctors to track side effects linked to BHRT medications because symptoms may take years to develop.
Compounded BHRT
FDA also state that compounded BHRT medications tend to carry greater risks than non-compounded forms.
Because pharmacists mix compounded BHRT medications, the FDA cannot approve them for quality or consistency. They also carry health risks because the precise dosage and formulation depend on a pharmacists precision and accuracy. As such, it is not possible to guarantee their safety.
It is important to note that pharmacists and drug companies are not obliged to report any side effects associated with compounded BHRT medications.
Non-compounded BHRT
The chemicals in non-compounded BHRT may also cause side effects. These chemicals may differ across medication types and brands.
Is Bhrt Safe Plus Other Treatments To Consider First
BHRT products have not been proven to be safe or unsafe. Because not enough is known about their long-term efficacy or safety, theyre still considered controversial. Be aware of potential side effects, and know that claims stating BHRT is protective against cancer or heart disease in women has not been validated. If you do decide to use them, do so using the lowest dose that helps and for the shortest time period needed to help reduce the chance for side effects.
How Else Can You Balance Hormones Naturally?
Before considering BHRT, I urge you to make lifestyle changes that are truly natural to see how you feel. Chances are your weight, sleep, mood and energy would greatly improve if you tried some of the following hormone-balancing solutions:
Final Thoughts on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
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History And Facts About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
The North American Menopause Society reports that about 1.4 million women now use BHRT treatments, which is around 40 percent of all prescriptions for hormone therapy in women who are menopausal or postmenopausal.
To date, no large, long-term study has been done to determine the adverse effects of bioidentical hormones, so safety concerns remain a serious issue. The Womens Health Initiative, one large, long-term study that tested the effects of FDA-approved hormone replacement drugs, determined that side effects are possible in some patients and that these drugs have not been proven to prevent any diseases. That being said, millions of women have reported improvements from using hormone replacement drugs.
As described above, one concern with the use of BHRT is using a custom-mixed solution that has not been FDA-tested. According to the FDA, other concerns can include disguising/leaving untreated symptoms that are really caused by another illness or potential side effects like raising the risk for blood clots, stroke, gallbladder disease, vision changes, skin changes, mood swings, and possibly heart disease or breast cancer. As of now, the FDA has also never approved any drug containing estriol, so keep in mind that benefits associated with products containing this hormone remain especially unknown.
Ideal Timing Of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Since menopause can be so unique to each individual, the answer to this question will vary for everybody. In a perfect world, every person would recognize the exact moment they entered menopausal transition. Yet, it often doesnt work like this. It can take people a long time to recognize some of the feelings they have experienced as being symptoms of menopause. Oftentimes, people will write off symptoms as normal signs of aging.
If there is an ideal time for a person to begin bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, its whenever that person notices they are suffering from menopausal symptoms that hinder their ability to enjoy a high quality of life. This isnt to say that the negative effects of menopause can be mitigated by BHRT alone you can make lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and exercise, which can have a positive effect in reducing the symptoms of menopause. Yet, theres a good chance that such positive lifestyle changes will start to lose effectiveness as you get further into menopausal transition. At that point, combining the use of bioidentical hormones with a healthy lifestyle could be just the thing you need to correct the imbalance of your hormone levels that come with the onset of menopause and andropause.
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What Are The Risks
Hormone therapy is not right for everyone. Women who start treatment over age 60 or more than 10 years from the start of menopause have increased risks for certain health conditions. Women who have higher risks for blood clots, breast cancer, or liver disease may also not be good candidates for hormone therapy. Before starting any treatment, speak with a healthcare provider about risks and benefits.