Hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment used to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, and involves hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Hormone replacement therapy was generally believed to be safe until 2002, when negative effects were discovered, notes MayoClinic.com. Hormone replacement therapy thus has both positive and negative effects.
Alleviates Symptoms of Menopause
Hormone replacement therapy can provide relief from menopause symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, hot flashes and insufficient vaginal lubrication, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Hormone replacement therapy is least likely to have adverse effects if the lowest dose is used for less than five years, explains MedlinePlus.
Fluid Retention and Bloating
Hormone replacement therapy can cause fluid retention and bloating, notes "The New York Times" Health Guide. This adverse effect of hormone therapy is affected by the dose and the type of hormone used. As such, adjusting the dose and the hormone type may reduce the incidence of fluid retention.
Headaches
Hormone replacement therapy can cause headaches, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The headaches could be the result of taking the hormones at the wrong dose.
Increased Health Risks
Hormone replacement therapy can increase the likelihood of diseases such as certain forms of cancer, heart disease and stroke, notes "The New York Times" Health Guide, adding that hormone replacement therapy can increase the likelihood of certain cancers by six to eight times. Hormone replacement therapy can also increase the likelihood of heart disease among women by almost 30 percent.
Nausea
Hormone replacement therapy may cause nausea, notes MedlinePlus. This effect may be a result of either the dose or type of hormone being taken.
Tenderness of the Breasts
A possible adverse reaction to hormone replacement therapy is sore or tender breasts, notes MedlinePlus. This heightened sensitivity of the breasts may be related to the dose of the hormones being used in the therapy.
Unstable Mood
It is possible for mood to be adversely affected throughout the duration of hormone replacement therapy, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Emotional instability may be the result of dose and hormone types being used in the therapy.
