Although Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can benefit many women who are suffering from menopausal symptoms, there are also risks involved with its use. Below are some examples:

Blood Clots

There have so far been conflicting studies indicating the possibility that HRT increases the risk of blood clots in veins. Research generally suggest that those women who have suffered from inflammation of the vein along with the formation of blood clots, known as phlebitis are not at greater risk or their blood clotting. However, if a woman’s previous clotting was associated with oestrogen usage or was due to a high oestrogen state such as pregnancy, it is likely that HRT may cause the increased blood clotting.

Heart disease

Heart Disease is the most common cause of death in most menopausal women. A woman’s risk of heart disease increases significantly during menopause due to her body’s decline in oestrogen production. Researchers are still trying to determine whether Hormone Replacement Therapy can help protect women against heart disease.
According to previous studies, there is hope that HRT can reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Certain studies have suggested that HRT may be able to prevent the spasm of the arteries that carry oxygen and blood to the heart whilst lowering the level of proteins that may cause dangerous blood clots. Research has also shown that oestrogen therapy may assist with healing damaged blood vessels and prevent blood from thickening. It may also keep the blood vessel walls pliable and open.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease affecting approximately 1/3 women over 50 years of age. Osteoporosis is one of the major causes of hip and knee replacements among elderly women. HRT is often prescribed to help with its prevention in post menopausal women. It also appears to be effective if taken during the first 5 years after the menopause begins. Experts estimate that HRT can decrease 50 to 80% of vertebral fracture and a 25% decrease in non vertebral fractures during five years of use. Protection, however may be lost once a women has stopped taking HRT.
HRT is no the only treatment for women trying to prevent osteoporosis. In addition to HTR therapy, patients can decrease the risk by taking regular exercise and substitutes such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, etc.

Dementia / Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease of the brain that results in confusion and memory loss, along with restlessness, problems with perception, speech trouble, movement difficulties and paranoia. There is no current cure for Alzheimer’s although some minor studies suggest that various combinations of HRT may help delay Alzheimer’s developing. However a study performed in 2003 suggested that oestrogen plus progesterone doubled the risk for the development of dementia in post menopausal women who were over 65.

Diabetes

Those who develop Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset are resistant to the action of insulin. Studies have suggested that HRT might help the body’s response to insulin and improve the body’s blood sugar metabolism.

Breast Cancer

There possible link between HRT and breast cancer remains controversial. Certain studies have shown that the link between the risk of breast cancer and HRT is minimal while other studies have indicated a more significant risk. Although many studies have so far been inconsistent, there appears to be a relationship between using HRT and the increased risk of breast cancer.