Thursday, November 15, 2012

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)


Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement is to reduce disturbances related to menopause (hot flashes, sweating, vaginal dryness, urinary disorders, and so on). On the other hand, it helps prevent osteoporosis and fractures (decrease bone loss, reducing the risk of femur fractures or spinal cord). Benefits of cognitive impairment (memory loss, lack of concentration) were controversial.
Like any treatment, hormone replacement therapy has side effects. Two studies have revealed an increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. In light of results, indications were reviewed and hormone therapy prescribing them is adapted to each case. These studies have changed the perception of hormone therapy, it is believed that the risks far outweigh the benefits they offer.
A large study was halted when researchers discovered that women who received a specific combination of estrogen and progestin had an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke (CVA) and breast cancer. Subsequent studies have shown that estrogen increases the risk of stroke but not on the breast cancer and heart disease.
However estrogen therapy remains the most effective treatment option for menopausal symptoms. Depending on personal and family history, your doctor may recommend this treatment to reduce unpleasant symptoms.

Who should use hormone replacement therapy?

TSH is designed for women who:
- Unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause
If hot flashes and other uncomfortable symptoms (which degrades quality of life), TSH can be adopted, but for as short a period of time. After accurate information about the risks, the doctor will review your treatment on a regular basis (at least once per year) with the possibility of a temporary interruption thereof, to control symptoms and their severity.
- Risk factors for osteoporosis

HRT should not be adopted systematically. There are other ways to prevent osteoporosis and certain good hygiene of life, a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D intake just enough doctor can determine if hormone replacement is the best solution if you have a high risk of osteoporosis and fractures so and provided that other treatments indicated for the prevention of osteoporosis should not be tolerated.
If you experience unpleasant symptoms and no risk factors for osteoporosis, hormonal therapy is not indicated, because the ratio of expected benefits and risks is not favorable.

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