Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking estrogen, progesterone, or both to supplement low hormone levels. HRT can provide relief from troublesome menopausal symptoms and other health benefits for some women. Potential benefits of HRT include:
Reducing menopausal symptoms
Protecting bone health
- Estrogen helps maintain bone density. HRT reduces the rapid bone loss associated with menopause, helping prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
Reducing fracture risk
- By maintaining bone density, HRT may decrease fracture risk from osteoporosis. HRT early in menopause seems to provide the most fracture protection.
Providing colon cancer protection
- HRT, especially estrogen alone, seems to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The protective effect may continue for years after stopping HRT.
Slowing the progression of atherosclerosis
- Estrogen helps keep blood vessels flexible. HRT may slow the progression of plaque buildup inside arteries.
Reducing diabetes risk
- HRT may help lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially for obese women. Estrogen deficiency seems to impair glucose metabolism.
Improving uterine health
- For women who still have a uterus, taking progesterone along with estrogen helps prevent cancer and hyperplasia of the uterus lining.
Relieving genitourinary symptoms
- Vaginal estrogen specifically helps relieve vaginal dryness, irritation, burning, and urinary symptoms like urgency and increased infections.
Protecting brain health
- Some research indicates HRT started early in menopause may help preserve brain function. More research is still needed in this area.
Improving skin elasticity
- Estrogen supports skin collagen. HRT can help aging skin remain supple and hydrated looking. This youthful effect fades after discontinuing HRT.
Decreasing muscle loss
- The decline in hormones during menopause accelerates muscle loss. HRT helps keep muscles strong, especially when combined with strength training.
HRT does come with some
risks, like blood clots, stroke, heart disease (especially with oral
hormone therapy started in older women), gallbladder disease, and certain types of cancer. The benefits and risks vary based on the individual woman's health profile and when HRT is started. Most experts recommend using the lowest effective HRT dose for the shortest amount of time possible. Talk to your doctor to see if HRT might be right for you.
