There are many different schools of thought, and I can provide you with one perspective.
According to the ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) online patient education pamphlet, ACOG Approaching Menopause: "Many changes of perimenopause are related to a decrease in estrogen levels. Some are related to aging. The effects caused by the lack of estrogen can be treated. Hormone therapy (HT) can relieve symptoms as well as protect against certain diseases, such as osteoporosis. "
It is common for women to take oral contraceptives (birth control pill), as they contain estrogen and progestin, and is a form of hormone therapy. Is your birth control a combination of both of these hormones? (there are many different types). There are pros and cons to taking hormone therapy, and the decision to do so is based on your health and family history.
Pros of hormone therapy:
- reduces risk of osteoporosis
- reduces/eliminates symptoms of menopause
Cons of hormone therapy:
- increased risk of uterine cancer if using only estrogen (progestin added to reduce this risk)
- increased risk of breast cancer, if taking combined therapy
This is a short list. And, just reading the pros/cons only provides a small piece of the entire puzzle (the risks are slightly increased, but how slight depends on your current health and family history, for instance). Do you know the reasons your doctor prescribed this for you, and are you happy with the decision? Did your health care provider discuss the pros/cons with you, and, did s/he discuss all of your options with you? Did you receive information on the pros/cons of using hormone therapy versus nothing at all versus another type of "therapy"?
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There are many different schools of thought, and I can provide you with one perspective.
According to the ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) online patient education pamphlet, ACOG Approaching Menopause: "Many changes of perimenopause are related to a decrease in estrogen levels. Some are related to aging. The effects caused by the lack of estrogen can be treated. Hormone therapy (HT) can relieve symptoms as well as protect against certain diseases, such as osteoporosis. "
It is common for women to take oral contraceptives (birth control pill), as they contain estrogen and progestin, and is a form of hormone therapy. Is your birth control a combination of both of these hormones? (there are many different types). There are pros and cons to taking hormone therapy, and the decision to do so is based on your health and family history.
Pros of hormone therapy:
- reduces risk of osteoporosis
- reduces/eliminates symptoms of menopause
Cons of hormone therapy:
- increased risk of uterine cancer if using only estrogen (progestin added to reduce this risk)
- increased risk of breast cancer, if taking combined therapy
This is a short list. And, just reading the pros/cons only provides a small piece of the entire puzzle (the risks are slightly increased, but how slight depends on your current health and family history, for instance). Do you know the reasons your doctor prescribed this for you, and are you happy with the decision? Did your health care provider discuss the pros/cons with you, and, did s/he discuss all of your options with you? Did you receive information on the pros/cons of using hormone therapy versus nothing at all versus another type of "therapy"?
February 12, 2009 - 2:14pmThis Comment
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