Menopausal symptoms are caused by the fluctuating levels of hormones. These fluctuations cause hot flashes, night sweats, loss of libido, vaginal dryness among other symptoms.
Hormone replacement therapy is an effective method of treating menopausal symptoms and eliminating them from your body forever. HRT balances hormones, which result in no symptoms. However, there are a number of health risks and side effects that have recently been associated with this treatment for menopause symptoms. Learn more about the risk of using HRT here.
Side Effects of HRT
Substituting synthetic hormones for natural ones, as in HRT, has many risks and can have a range of side effects. These include:
- Tender breasts
- Water retention
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Heavier periods
- Irregular heartbeat
- Electric shocks
- Dizziness
- Loss of libido
Before taking any treatments, a woman should consult a doctor.
Health Risks of HRT
Not only are there are number of side effects associated with HRT. Also, hormone replacement therapy has recently been linked to more severe health risks. The following are all health risks that have been associated with hormone replacement therapy.
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Strokes
- Blood clots
- DVT
Women should take HRT for no more than six months to prevent severe health risks. However, if your symptoms are causing you particular distress, talk to a doctor about the medical and natural options for you.
In conclusion, there is no simple answer to the question “is it worth the risk?”. The answer will depend on your body, your symptoms, and the effectiveness of other methods of treating menopause. It is important to be aware of the risks and benefits of HRT before embarking on treatment. For more information on HRT, how it helps menopause, and the health risks associated with it click on the links below.
