Pros and Cons Associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy

For many women, the side effects of menopause can be unbearable and can last anywhere from six months to five years and most often include hot flashes.

"It's this surge of heat that can start from the toes and work its way up to the head. Sometimes it starts in the center and bubbles up and makes them hot and sweaty. And that's the biggest complaint because you can't necessarily control them," said Heather Shannon, CNM certified nurse midwife, Upstate University Hospital midwifery and gynecology director.

Those symptoms are caused by the body's natural loss of hormones as women age. Hormone Replacement Therapy is one treatment option to minimize symptoms, but it doesn't come without risks.

"Studies have shown that those synthetic hormones, the progesterones, the progestins can increase your risks for stokes, clots, heart attacks and for cancers, specifically breast cancer," said Shannon.

But new technology has given women other options. There are natural, plant-based hormones that can be purchased in local health food and supplement stores. Plus, now there's more sophisticated option called compound hormone replacement therapy or bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

"That is hormones that are made based on your blood values or your saliva tests. So if you come in with certain symptoms, there's blood work that can be drawn on you so you can get, I can get, your health care provider can get an idea as to where you're lacking or could use some benefit or replacement," said Shannon.

While some people report improvement in symptoms within a few weeks, the maximum benefit usually takes three months to kick in.

"It does take some time because once you have a preparation made for you, you do have to come back, be reevaluated, see how your symptoms are, retest to verify that your levels are okay and also make sure that your estrogen levels aren't creeping up. We don't want to send you down the wrong path for cardiovascular risks or cancer risks," said Shannon.

Experts say before starting any hormone replacement regimen, you should consult your health care provider and continue to follow-up throughout treatment. Your health care provider will also help you taper off the medications when your body is ready.

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Pros and Cons Associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy