| What are my birth control options? |
Hormone Replacement Therapy is the use of two hormones – estrogen and progesterone - to help relieve the symptoms of menopause. Because there are both risks and benefits to HRT choosing whether or not to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a difficult decision to make and there has been much made of HRT, both pro and con, in the popular press. Your decision should be based on a number of factors including:
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- The severity of your menopausal symptoms and how they are affecting your life.
- Your individual risk for blood clots, heart disease, bone loss, breast and reproductive tract cancer.
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If you have had your uterus surgically removed, then you will only need to take estrogen. Progesterone is added for those with a uterus to cut the risk of uterine cancer that exists with unopposed estrogen (estrogen without progesterone). |
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| What is Endometriosis? |
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| What are Fibrocystic Breast Changes? |
| What is Menorrhagia? |
| What is Hormone Replacement Therapy? |
| What is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)? |
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| What is a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)? |
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| What is Osteoporosis? |
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| What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease? |
| What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? |
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| What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) |
| What are Thyroid Disorders? |
| What are Vaginal Infections? |
What are the benefits?
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- The benefits of HRT are that it:
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- Provides relief from menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness and atrophy.
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- Helps to prevent osteoporosis.
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What are the risks? Unopposed estrogen (taking estrogen without progesterone if you have a uterus) increases the risk of endometrial cancer.
There appears to be the possibility of a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer with prolonged use of estrogen. Many studies have shown no increase in risk but for long-term use, the incidence of breast cancer may raise to 8 per 10,0000 women.
Whatever you decide concerning HRT you should remember that menopause is a naturally occurring event in the lives of all women and that one third of your life will probably happen after menopause. The symptoms and physical changes that occur with menopause should not prevent you from enjoying this phase of your life. If you have any questions or concerns you should discuss them with your doctor.
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