BENEFITS OF HRT

HRT has been used to relieve the short-term symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, sweats, and disturbed sleep. It is also believed to be useful in preventing or alleviating an increased rate of bone loss that leads to osteoporosis. In the recent past, HRT also was prescribed to help prevent heart disease, but new evidence shows that heart health should not be a reason to take HRT. New study results now show that HRT does not cut the risk of heart attack and death for women with established heart disease, and it is unclear whether HRT can help prevent the onset of heart disease in healthy postmenopausal women. Preliminary evidence shows that HRT may be helpful in preventing Alzheimer's disease, colon cancer, and macular degeneration (age-related vision loss).

• HRT and ERT reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
• HRT and ERT relieve hot flashes and night sweats.
• HRT and ERT may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• HRT and ERT may improve mood and psychological well being.

The known benefits of HRT can improve the quality of life for many women, by reducing uncomfortable hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. There also is evidence that HRT helps prevent and treats osteoporosis, and preliminary evidence that it can help prevent other problems associated with age, including Alzheimer's disease, colon cancer and deterioration of eyesight. The addition of progestin to the treatment has dramatically reduced the risk of endometrial cancer. Until the questions about the risk of breast cancer are more fully answered, many women and their health care providers believe the benefits outweigh the risks. However, women considered to be at high risk for breast cancer, or who have other concerns about the risks, might want to use alternative methods to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Family history of breast cancer, early age of the first menstrual period (menarche), late age of child bearing, high fat diet, obesity, increased breast density on mammograms, and certain benign breast lesions increase the underlying risk of developing a breast cancer. These factors need to be considered when deciding to take HRT. A woman also might consider any family history of osteoporosis or heart disease when making a decision about HRT.