Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) supplies female hormones to replace those no longer made by the body after menopause. It ususally consists of both estrogen and progesterone. HRT is prescribed to relieve symptoms of menopause including hot flashes and night sweats. While beneficial for relieving these symptoms, it creates risks for diseases such as cancer, stroke and heart disease. HRT may prevent the bone loss that occurs after menopause and colorectal cancer. Women considering HRT should talk with their doctors and weigh the risks and benefits.The following list of hormone replacement dangers is not complete. A doctor or pharmacist can provide more information.
Blood Clots
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein, usually in the leg. It can lead to embolus when the clot breaks off and travels to the heart, lungs, or brain. An embolism is a life-threatening condition that can cause a stroke, heart attack or other condition. DVT and embolism are more common in women who take estrogen. Smoking cigarettes increases this risk.
Cancer
HRT increases the risk of breast cancer when used for more than 5 years, according to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. The risk of cancer of the lining of the uterus, called endometrial cancer, is higher in women who take estrogen. HRT usually consists of both estrogen and progesterone, and this combination offers protection from endometrial cancer. The danger occurs when estrogen is not used in conjunction with progesterone.
Heart Disease
HRT may increase the risk of heart disease in older women. It is still unclear if it may still be protective in preventing heart disease when given early in menopause, and estrogen is not recommended for women over the age of 60, according to the National Institutes of Health website, Medline Plus. Dr. Len Litchtenfeld of the American Cancer Society notes that based on the evidence available now, the only accepted use of HRT is short-term management of symptoms of menopause, not prevention of disease.
Stroke
HRT increases the risk of a stroke, according to MayoClinic.com. A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain stops due to a blood clot or bleeding. It is a medical emergency that can result in serious disability or death.
