Side Effects of Hormone Therapy for Menopause

At menopause, levels of reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone will decrease. Both of these hormones play an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation.

Some symptoms that can be experienced during menopause, namely hot flashes, insomnia, frequent sweating, vaginal dryness, and so on. Menopause also increases the risk of osteoporosis.

To reduce these symptoms and the risk of osteoporosis, hormone replacement therapy can be given. Here are the types of hormone replacement therapy for menopause:

Estrogen therapy
Low-dose estrogen is given to women who don't have a uterus because of a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). Estrogen can be given in the form of pills, patches, sprays, vaginal rings, or gels.

Estrogen and progesterone / progestin therapy

This combination therapy is given to women who still have a uterus. In women who still have a uterus, estrogen therapy alone without progesterone can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

Side effects caused by hormone replacement therapy, including vaginal bleeding, flatulence, breast pain or enlargement, headaches, nausea, and mood disorders.

In addition, hormone replacement therapy should not be done carelessly. It must be considered whether the benefits outweigh the risks. This is because hormone replacement therapy can increase various risks of diseases, such as breast cancer, stroke, heart disease, and blood thickening.

You should avoid hormone replacement therapy if you have a risk or history of breast cancer. Likewise with those who have a risk of stroke, hypertension, heart disease, ovarian cancer.

The decision to use hormone replacement therapy must be considered as well as possible. Discuss with your doctor, because each individual has different risks, benefits, and goals.

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