Hormone replacement therapy constitutes one of the primary efficient treatments for the symptoms of menopause. The menopausal symptoms are treated by the administration of synthetic estrogen and progestogen to replace depleted hormones in women. There are various benefits of hormone replacement therapy such as fighting against osteoporosis. However, according to research, HRT is associated with various side effects which can be detrimental to the health of women. The paper discusses the merits and demerits of hormone replacement therapy and explains why hormone replacement therapy should not be recommended.
There are numerous advantages of hormone replacement therapy. First, hormone replacement therapy reduces or eliminates the symptoms of menopause. Women in the menopausal stage experience many unpleasant symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. However, hormone replacement therapy which can either be administered through estrogen therapy or a combination of progestogen and estrogen assists in reducing or eliminating the symptoms. Second, hormone replacement therapy aids in the fight against osteoporosis. The last benefit is that the method minimizes the danger of contracting endometrial cancer. There are various disadvantages to the use of hormone replacement therapy. The use of hormone replacement therapy results in complications like blood clotting which endangers the life of the patient. Moreover, its application in the healthcare environment increases the risks of contracting breast cancer.
Considering the adverse effects associated with hormone replacement therapy such as causing breast cancer and blood clotting, I would recommend alternative treatments to patients with hormone deficiencies. Phytoestrogenic supplements also help in the alleviation of menopausal symptoms and have fewer harmful side effects. The use of herbal supplements is also becoming popular in modern society. These herbs include ginseng and red clover which functions by introducing plant-like estrogens into bodies of females with menopausal symptoms. According to research phytoestrogenic supplements are much safer than hormone replacement therapy and thus the reason why I will recommend them to menopausal women at the expense of hormonal therapy. In conclusion, hormone replacement therapy is associated with various adverse effects and should be used as the last option for women seeking medications for menopausal complications.
