ABOUT HRT

Doctors at times, prescribe the hormones estrogen and progestin, in a treatment called hormone replacement therapy (HRT), to ease the signs of menopause. It is also used to protect against more serious illness in the future. Many women take HRT. Some are advised against it. It may or may not be the right choice for most women.

To begin with, it's a good idea to know what happens to your body with menopause. At this time, your body makes less of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. After menopause, you are free from concerns about monthly menstrual periods and getting pregnant. But during the years around menopause you might have annoying symptoms. These may include hot flashes (a sudden flush or warmth, often followed by sweating), sleep problems, or vaginal dryness. Many women have little or no trouble with menopause. However, some have moderate to severe discomfort.

Estrogen loss also puts you at risk for more serious health problems. These include heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women over the age of 50. Bone loss is common as people age. However, if there is a great loss, osteoporosis may develop. This is a serious condition. Bones weaken and break easily. It threatens about 28 million Americans. Eighty percent of them are women, and most are over 50 years of age.