What is hormone replacement therapy?

Every woman goes through two basic phases of life: the childbearing years and the menopausal years. During the menopausal years, a woman's body quits producing certain hormones that have to do with reproduction. The result is an overall change in her body. This change is marked by the stoppage of a monthly menstrual cycle, and often, hot flashes and frequent mood swings. Some women might also suffer from depression during this time.

According to medical experts, Menopause also brings with it a higher risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast cancer. In order to replace the hormones that a woman's body is no longer producing, she may choose to start a regime of Hormone Replacement Therapy, (HRT). Doctors usually prescribe one of the two, or a combination of the two synthetic hormones called Estrogen and Progestin for this therapy. The hormone is usually taken in pill form on a daily basis as regulated by a woman's gynecologist. These hormones work well in relieving the common symptoms of hot flashes and frequent mood swings in many women.

Estrogen and Progestin have also been shown in medical studies to provide other benefits as well. They can actually increase the thickness of a woman's bones and help ward off osteoporosis. These hormones also, according to medical studies, help to reduce the risk of a woman having certain types of cancer. They can also reduce the risk of heart disease in menopausal women. The hormone Estrogen has specifically been shown in medical studies to raise the level of good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL) in women. There is some evidence too, that these hormones can help to lessen the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Unfortunately, Hormone Replacement Therapy also has its down side. Because of this, some gynecologists recommend this type of therapy, while others are against it. This hormone therapy has its benefits, but it also has its risks. Included in these risks are breast cancer, stroke, thromboembolism, (blood clots), and cholecystitis (gallstones).

Approximately six million women across the United States currently take a synthetic hormone. If you are a woman who is approaching her menopausal years, you might be wondering if Hormone Replacement Therapy is the right medication for you. While HRT can relieve the common symptoms of menopause, medical studies still have not determined whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks. Some doctors believe that a woman can avoid the risks that hormones offer by taking them for only a short time. But, others believe that a short term regime is not long enough to provide the benefits of the hormones. There are continued medical studies being done on the effects of Estrogen and Progestin. However, the results are still inconclusive.

An alternative to HRT is to take natural herbs like Black Cohosh or Saint John's Wort. Soy is also being touted as providing some relief for menopausal symptoms. These herbs, as well as Soy, have no known side effects as long as they are taken as directed.

If you choose to try a more natural approach to the problem, doctors recommend that you also strive to maintain a healthier lifestyle. This includes quitting smoking, watching your weight, lowering your intake of cholesterol, and following a daily exercise routine.

Talk to your gynecologist when you begin to experience the symptoms of menopause. Only she or he and you can decide what the best therapy is for you.