A Look At Hormone Replacement

Hormone replacement therapy (often abbreviated to HRT) is a kind of treatment that can be given to both men and women. Hormones are given to the patient in order to treat a medical problem or to prevent one from starting in the first place. HRT is most commonly used for women who are having difficulties coping with the symptoms that accompany menopause. It is also used frequently to prevent the onset of osteoporosis. This therapy has also been used to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The hormones that are used for hormone replacement are synthetic in nature, which is to say that they are not produced by the human body but rather are manufactured in a laboratory. They are designed however to work in the same manner as natural hormones once they are introduced into the body.

Studies that have looked at the results of using HRT for women have found that for some the risks have been far greater than the benefits. There are other female patients however for which the benefits have far outweighed the risks that come with taking synthetic hormones. If you are considering hormone replacement to help you with a medical issue then you need to research it thoroughly on your own and have an in-depth conversation with your physician about it.

For some HRT can help them tremendously while for other women there may be other methods for treatment that would work much better. Studies have shown that long-term use of HRT (which is to say using it for five years or more) may increase a woman's chances for developing breast cancer, heart attacks, blood clots and strokes.

If you are currently taking hormone replacement therapy then do not panic or fret. Bear in mind that every form of medication comes with its share of risk factors. Even over-the-counter products can have side effects that you must be aware of before you start using the products.

Your doctor should monitor you carefully if you are on HRT. Do not alter your treatment in any way without first consulting with your primary care physician. If you are taking hormone treatments due to menopausal symptoms your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms as well as your risks for developing specific diseases and then will let you know about the advantages and disadvantages of continuing to be on the hormone replacement method. There are pros and cons and this is something that your doctor will need to make you fully aware of.

Your doctor may feel that the treatment should be discontinued or that you should be switched to a lower dosage of the medication. Or he or she may feel that there is another treatment that is much more fitting for your health problem. It is important that you tell your doctor how you are feeling why you are on the medication.

While the long-term use of HRT drugs may not be recommended the short-term use has been found to be safe for most patients. As a means of controlling menopausal symptoms this treatment can work very well and can provide much needed relief to the sufferer.

By: Andrew Stratton

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