Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe? Learn What the Latest Research Says

As you navigate life in menopause, you may wonder if hormone replacement therapy could make life easier. Replacing the hormones your body is missing can reduce uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and brain fog.

Experienced women’s health provider Asia Mohsin, MD, understands how challenging the transition into menopause can be. At Progressive Women’s Health OB/GYN in Friendswood, Texas, she can help you manage any menopause symptoms you experience.

For some women, hormone replacement therapy might be a solution. But is it safe? In this article, we discuss the latest research on hormone replacement for menopause.

Current research on hormone replacement safety

Hormone replacement therapy replaces the hormones your body stops making during menopause. This stark reduction in your body’s natural hormones is the underlying cause of the symptoms you might experience.

While the results of hormone replacement therapy can be a huge positive for many women, some may have concerns about the safety of introducing hormones into their bodies that aren’t produced there.

According to one study, hormone replacement therapy appears to be a safe option for many women in menopause. The treatment can greatly reduce vasomotor menopause symptoms, particularly hot flashes and night sweats.

Taking hormones for menopause symptoms can carry a few minor risks, but experts believe the benefits outweigh the risks in many cases.

The best time to start hormone replacement therapy

The study found that hormone replacement therapy is most beneficial and least risky for women younger than 60 years old or those within 10 years of starting menopause.

You have a higher risk of experiencing complications from hormone replacement therapy if you start taking hormones more than 10 years after your menopause symptoms begin. The average age of menopause is 52 years old.

Are there any risks?

Like any medication, hormone replacement therapy carries health risks and can cause side effects. The risks are generally low, but taking hormones could increase your risk of:

Heart disease
Blood clots
Gallbladder disease
Certain cancers

These risks are generally highest in women already at risk because of their family history.

How to lower hormone replacement risks

You can take steps to ensure hormone replacement therapy is as safe as possible. You should:

Only take hormones according to your doctor’s instructions
Take progestin alongside hormone replacement therapy if you have a uterus
Stay on top of your regular women’s health exams
Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Dr. Mohsin can help you decide on the most suitable type of hormone replacement therapy based on your needs.

If you’re interested in learning more about how hormone replacement therapy can improve common menopause symptoms, call Progressive Women’s Health OB/GYN or request an appointment online today.