Menopause can bring debilitating symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, and joint pain. While hormone therapy promises relief, many women are hesitant to try it due to concerns about increased risks of breast cancer, blood clots, and other health issues. However, doctors say the treatment is a great option for many menopausal women, but not all.
Hormone therapy works by treating symptoms that arise when menstruation ends, causing estrogen and progesterone levels to drop low. Low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy is a good option for women with vaginal dryness, while whole-body therapy includes pills, patches, sprays, gels, or a vaginal ring that deliver hormones into the bloodstream.
Studies show that hormone therapy can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and maintain bone density. However, it carries some risks, including increased breast cancer risk after seven years of use, stroke, and blood clots. Doctors stress that these risks are small and must be weighed against the benefits of symptom relief.
The debate over changing health warnings on hormone medications is ongoing. Some doctors argue that removing label warnings would put patients at risk, while others suggest that the warnings may be misleading and cause unnecessary fear. The American Menopause Society recommends regular exercise, a healthy diet, and non-hormonal medications like fezolinetant for managing symptoms.
Experts emphasize that hormone therapy is not a magic solution and should be used judiciously. They urge women to consult their doctors and discuss the pros and cons of hormone therapy before making a decision.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/hormone-therapy-estrogen-hot-flashes-fda-5b1f29a73553c142f67b1f88b6656428