Menopausal hormone therapy is a treatment used to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Menopause is a natural biological process when a woman’s menstruation cycle stops, and hormone production decreases.

Menopausal symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. Hormone therapy replaces estrogen and progesterone, which the body no longer produces in sufficient amounts.

The Basics of Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Menopausal hormone therapy, also called hormone replacement therapy or HRT, involves taking hormones to replace the ones that the body has stopped producing during menopause. HRT can be administered in different ways, including:.

Oral pills
Skin patches
Vaginal creams or tablets
Vaginal rings

The Benefits of Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Among the benefits of menopausal hormone therapy are:.

Reduced menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats
Reduced risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
Improved quality of life for women experiencing severe menopausal symptoms

The Risks of Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Menopausal hormone therapy has some risks, including:.

Increased risk of breast cancer
Increased risk of endometrial cancer (when estrogen therapy is not balanced with progesterone therapy)
Increased risk of ovarian cancer
Increased risk of blood clots and stroke

Reducing the Risk of Cancer

While menopausal hormone therapy can bring relief from menopausal symptoms, women should be aware of the risks of cancer associated with this treatment. To reduce the risk of cancer, women who are considering menopausal hormone therapy should:.

Discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider, who can help make an informed decision based on their individual medical history
Choose the lowest dose of hormone therapy that provides relief from symptoms
Choose the shortest duration of hormone therapy needed to alleviate symptoms

Types of Hormone Therapy and Cancer Risk

Estrogen-only therapy has been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer if used for a long period. The risk can be reduced by taking progesterone along with estrogen.

In contrast, hormone therapy that combines estrogen and progesterone has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with longer use.

Women who have had breast cancer or are at high risk for breast cancer should not take hormone therapy. Women with a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart disease should also avoid hormone therapy.

Alternative Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms

For women who want to alleviate menopausal symptoms but are concerned about the risks associated with hormone therapy, there are alternative treatments that can help. These include:.

Behavioral changes, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management techniques
Complimentary and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, yoga, and herbal supplements
Hormone-free medications, such as low-dose antidepressants or anti-seizure drugs

Women who are considering alternative treatments should also consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their individual needs and medical history.

Summary

Menopausal hormone therapy is a useful treatment for alleviating menopausal symptoms but can increase the risks of cancer.

Women should talk with their healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone therapy and choose the lowest dose and shortest duration of treatment necessary to alleviate their symptoms. Alternative treatments are available for women who want to avoid hormone therapy, and can be an effective option for certain women.