Hormonal therapy for menopause has been a topic of controversy for a long time now. Women have been seeking various ways to manage the symptoms that come with menopause, and hormonal therapy has been an option.

However, with options come dynamics, and risks are to be considered. In this article, we will explore the benefits and risks of hormonal therapy for menopause.

What is Hormonal Therapy?

Hormonal therapy is a treatment for managing the symptoms of menopause. Menopause is a stage in life that every woman goes through.

During menopause, the ovaries stop releasing eggs, and the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases, leading to various symptoms. Some of the symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and mood changes.

Hormonal therapy involves taking medication that contains estrogen, mainly a combination of estrogen and progesterone hormones. The hormones are administered as a tablet, a patch, a vaginal ring, or a gel.

The Benefits of Hormonal Therapy for Menopause

Hormonal therapy is known to provide relief for some of the symptoms of menopause. Estrogen serves several functions in the body, including maintaining bone density, which is crucial in preventing osteoporosis.

Hormonal therapy can also help alleviate vaginal dryness, itching, and soreness, which can make sexual activity uncomfortable.

Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most common symptoms experienced during menopause. Hormonal therapy has been proven to help manage these symptoms by reducing their frequency and severity.

Mood disturbances are also among the symptoms of menopause. Hormonal therapy can help improve your mood and reduce instances of irritability, anxiety, and depression.

The therapy can also help in preventing the development of urinary tract infections, as estrogen contributes to the health of the urinary tract.

The Risks of Hormonal Therapy for Menopause

The benefits of hormonal therapy can be outweighed by the possible risks associated with the treatment, especially long-term treatment. The risk of developing some diseases and conditions can be increased by the use of hormonal therapy.

Stroke is among the potential risks associated with hormonal therapy. The risk of developing a blood clot, which can lead to stroke, increases in women who have been on hormonal therapy for more than five years.

Women who smoke and are on hormonal therapy are at a higher risk of developing a blood clot, stroke, or heart attack.

Endometrial cancer is another risk of hormonal therapy. The prolonged use of estrogen without progesterone can lead to the development of endometrial cancer.

Some women on hormonal therapy may experience an increase in their breast density, which can make it harder to detect breast cancer through mammography.

Hormonal therapy also increases your risk of developing breast cancer, particularly when used for an extended period or combined with progestin. Women are advised to undergo annual mammographic examinations to monitor their breast health while on hormonal therapy.

The Bottom Line

Hormonal therapy is an option for managing the symptoms of menopause. It can provide immense relief for some of the symptoms, making daily life more manageable. However, the possible risks must be considered.

It would be best if you talked to your doctor about your medical history and current medication to determine whether hormonal therapy is right for you. When on hormonal therapy, regular monitoring is necessary to ensure that there are no complications.