Hormonal therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is a medical treatment that involves the use of hormones to alleviate symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, usually occurring during menopause or following cancer treatments that affect hormone production. Hormone therapy can be an effective way to manage hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other menopause-related symptoms and help prevent fractures in women with osteoporosis.

However, there are risks associated with hormone therapy use that you need to know before starting this treatment.

1. Increased Risk of Breast Cancer

Hormone therapy can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Women who undergo hormone therapy with estrogen and progesterone have a higher chance of developing breast cancer, especially after using this treatment for more than five years.

Using estrogen-only hormone therapy for ten or more years also increases the risk of developing breast cancer. If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, you may need to consider other treatment options.

2. Higher Risk of Stroke and Heart Disease

Hormone therapy can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

According to the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, hormone therapy with estrogen and progesterone increases the risk of stroke, heart attacks, blood clots, and other cardiovascular diseases. Women who have a history of heart disease, stroke, or blood clots may need to avoid hormone therapy.

3. Increased Risk of Endometrial Cancer

Estrogen-only hormone therapy is associated with a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer. Women who have undergone a hysterectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the uterus, may be prescribed with estrogen-only hormone therapy.

However, without progesterone, estrogen can stimulate the growth of the endometrial lining, increasing the risk of developing endometrial cancer. Therefore, it is important to discuss the risk of endometrial cancer with your healthcare provider before starting any hormone therapy.

4. Higher Risk of Dementia and Cognitive Decline

Studies suggest that women who use hormone therapy after menopause may have a higher risk of developing dementia and cognitive decline.

According to a study published in the journal Neurology, women who use hormone therapy with both estrogen and progesterone had a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not use hormone therapy.

5. Increased Risk of Gallbladder Disease

Hormone therapy can increase the risk of gallbladder disease, especially in postmenopausal women.

A study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that postmenopausal women who underwent hormone therapy had a higher risk of gallbladder disease and needed surgery to remove their gallbladder compared to women who did not use hormone therapy.

6. Other Risks with Hormone Therapy

Along with the above risks, hormone therapy may also cause other side effects such as bloating, headaches, mood changes, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding.

These side effects may go away after a few weeks, but if they persist, you must contact your healthcare provider. Additionally, women who have a history of blood clots, liver disease, or lupus should avoid hormone therapy.

Conclusion

Hormone therapy can be an effective treatment to alleviate symptoms related to menopause or hormonal imbalances in women. However, it is essential to understand the possible risks associated with hormone therapy before undergoing this treatment.

By discussing your health history and personal risk factors with your healthcare provider, you can make an informed decision about whether hormone therapy is right for you.