Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy

Menopause is a natural event occurring about age 50. Symptoms include absence of menstrual cycles, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and fatigue, to name a few.

Not all women have symptoms. Others have them in the years before menopause, known as perimenopause. One option to lessen or end the symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This treatment was approved by the FDA in 1942. Since then, many other forms of HRT have become available. Many women have used HRT to reverse these symptoms and improve quality of life.

Some years ago, a study from the Women’s Health Initiative suggested a possible increase in breast cancer related to use of one of the many different HRT options. It was called Prempro.

This, in turn, has led to a decline in HRT use. In addition, healthcare providers are less likely to offer HRT to patients. This is unfortunate. Upon recent reviews, most experts believe the Women’s Health Initiative overestimated risks of HRT. There is new information re-affirming the cardiovascular and bone protection of HRT, especially in the 50- to 60-year-old age group.

At present, there are limited options for primary prevention of heart disease in women. While it appears benefits of HRT outweight risks, it is not for everyone. But do consider asking your OB/GYN.

Dr. Kyle Rhodes, MD, FACOG, is an OB/GYN at Glen Meade Center for Women’s Health – NHRMC Physician Group. For more information, visit: www.nhrmc.org/physician-group/locations/glen-meade-center-for-womens-health