Question

What education would you give to females considering hormone replacement therapy and its risk of developing breast cancer? Would you recommend hormonal replacement therapy? If so, is there any preferred method of taking the hormone replacement than another (oral, cream, etc.)?  

Answer 1

Hormone Replacement Therapy:

Hormone Replacement Therapy ( HRT ) is a treatment with hormones to help with menopause symptoms. It can be used to maintain the balance between estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause.  

Education to the Women:

* HRT is not required by every woman , only those who are in distress with menopausal or premenopausal symptoms can use the HRT according to the physician's order.

* HRT make use of the replacement of hormones , that the body lacks or reduces the production after a certain age in women, usually after menopause.

* The main hormones used in the HRT  are oestrogen and progesterone, Female sex hormones, that are responsible for the sexual development in women.  

* There are several ways for HRT ; tablets, a skin patch, oestrogen gel or  an implant .

* Continual and excess use of HRT possess the risk of cancers , especially breast cancer and endometrial cancer and gall bladder stones.

* HRT more than five years is associated with risk of developing breast cancers.

* Use hormone supplements according to the Doctor's order and in correct dosage for good results.

* HRT is effective in controlling menopausal symptoms such as hotflashes, vaginal dryness and to prevent early osteoporosis in females .

* contraindications for HRT are :

- family history of Breast cancer or endometrial cancer

- Active liver disease

- Hypercholostrolemia

- clotting disorders

* Certain food items can supplement estrogen such as soy products and can reduce the symptoms of Menopause.  

I recommend HRT to women, who are having severe perimenopausal symptoms. Other women who have minor symptoms can manage though:

* diet supplements;  flax seeds , red clover , soy products contains phytoestrogen ,

* Drink adequate fluids

* ensure calm environment for smooth sleep

* Calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis

Preferred method for taking HRT:

* Estadiol gel is safe in preventing gall bladder stones, breast cancer etc.

Researches show that transdermal therapy is safe than oral forms

* HRT for less than five years and a lower dose combination is of lesser risk in developing breast cancer or endometrial cancer.