Overall, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been found to help maintain vaginal elasticity and lubrication, reduce hot flashes, reduce depression, and restore regular sleep patterns (North American Menopause Society, 2003). It has also been found to decrease the risk of developing colorectal cancer and osteoporosis (Brinton & Schairer, 1997). However, it has also been found to increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and breast cancer.
It was this increased risk of breast cancer that caused researchers to finally halt a study in 2002 that compared two groups of menopausal women—one taking HRT and the other taking placebos (Rubin, 2002). The study involved more than 16,000 postmenopausal women and hoped to shed light on the ability of hormone therapy to reduce osteoporosis and heart disease. Researchers concluded that the long-term risks of taking hormones may outweigh the benefits for certain women. Some women who choose HRT eventually discontinue the treatment for a variety of reasons, including fear of breast cancer, bloating, and/or breakthrough bleeding (Lie, 2000).
Many healthcare providers stopped prescribing hormones to their menopausal patients; others began prescribing hormone replacement only for those women with severe menopausal symptoms. Menopausal women need to weigh the risks and benefits of HRT. It is important to discuss these issues with a trusted healthcare provider. There is no single treatment option that is best for all women.
Today, some women continue to choose to use hormone replacement therapy. Others use nutritional and/or vitamin therapy or use herbal remedies containing natural estrogens, such as black cohosh, ginseng, or soy products, to help lessen symptoms (although the use of these products is controversial and may lead to a variety of side effects). HRT has been approved for symptom relief and osteoporosis prevention. In addition, HRT has been found to lessen the symptoms associated with menopause and also to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.