FAQ: Hormonal Therapy for Menopause
Is HRT ever OK?
Yes, for the right woman, the risks are relatively low, experts say.
"HRT is a valuable option for treating many young, newly post-menopausal women who have severe symptoms that disrupt their quality of life," Pattimakiel says. These symptoms include hot flashes, sleep problems, and vaginal dryness. Other symptoms that might spur women to discuss HRT with their doctor are unstable moods, painful sex, or urinary tract infections they get again and again.
About 1 in 4 women have such symptoms, which may make them sweat so much it disrupts their day. Hot flashes can start before menopause (a phase doctors call perimenopause), and they can last up to 10-15 years. "They peak within the first 4 years around menopause," Pinkerton says.
Women over 70 are more likely to have some of the dangerous side effects seen in the large women’s health study. "We would not start HRT at that age," Pinkerton says.
How long can I take it?
"There's no time when you have to stop," she says." You need to [talk to your doctor] about the risk and benefits and what you need it for."
The FDA recommends using it for the shortest amount of time possible. On average, a woman takes HRT for 3-5 years.
What happens if I stop it?
Chances are your symptoms will return. They could be as bad as when you started menopause. Sometimes, they are less severe. "We really can't predict it," Pattimakiel says. Studies say it doesn't make a difference if you stop treatment abruptly or slowly.
If you do decide to quit, she suggests you do it at a stable time, not a stressful one.
Always talk to your doctor before stopping a medication. If you have symptoms that won't go away, be sure to tell your gynecologist.
How can I lower my risks?
Ask your doctor about the different types of HRT. Some only contain estrogen. Some are combined with progesterone. If you still have your uterus, you need HRT that includes both. Progesterone protects against uterine cancer. But doctors "think it's that combo that may increase the risk of breast cancer," Pinkerton says.
FAQ: Hormone Therapy for Menopause
Is HRT ever OK?
Yes, for the right woman, the risks are relatively low, experts say.
"HRT is a valuable option for treating many young, newly post-menopausal women who have severe symptoms that disrupt their quality of life," Pattimakiel says. These symptoms include hot flashes, sleep problems, and vaginal dryness. Other symptoms that might spur women to discuss HRT with their doctor are unstable moods, painful sex, or urinary tract infections they get again and again.
About 1 in 4 women have such symptoms, which may make them sweat so much it disrupts their day. Hot flashes can start before menopause (a phase doctors call perimenopause), and they can last up to 10-15 years. "They peak within the first 4 years around menopause," Pinkerton says.
Women over 70 are more likely to have some of the dangerous side effects seen in the large women’s health study. "We would not start HRT at that age," Pinkerton says.
How long can I take it?
"There's no time when you have to stop," she says." You need to [talk to your doctor] about the risk and benefits and what you need it for."
The FDA recommends using it for the shortest amount of time possible. On average, a woman takes HRT for 3-5 years.
What happens if I stop it?
Chances are your symptoms will return. They could be as bad as when you started menopause. Sometimes, they are less severe. "We really can't predict it," Pattimakiel says. Studies say it doesn't make a difference if you stop treatment abruptly or slowly.
If you do decide to quit, she suggests you do it at a stable time, not a stressful one.
Always talk to your doctor before stopping a medication. If you have symptoms that won't go away, be sure to tell your gynecologist.
How can I lower my risks?
Ask your doctor about the different types of HRT. Some only contain estrogen. Some are combined with progesterone. If you still have your uterus, you need HRT that includes both. Progesterone protects against uterine cancer. But doctors "think it's that combo that may increase the risk of breast cancer," Pinkerton says.
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