Hormone replacement therapy is used to treat and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis as well as menopause symptoms. HRT supplies the body with the female hormones that the ovaries make; estrogen and sometimes progesterone. By replacing the female hormones, HRT can alleviate menopause symptoms and prevent bone loss associated with decreased estrogen.
Risks of HRT
Hormone replacement therapy is not a solution for all women. There can be some risks associated with its use.
Prior to 2003, it was believed that HRT protected the heart against heart disease. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2003 showed that HRT use can increase the risks of:
- myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- stroke
- invasive breast cancer
- venous thromboembolism (blood clots)
Despite these risks, hormone replacement therapy remains a valuable treatment for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and the short term relief of menopause symptoms.
Forms and Brands of HRT
Hormone replacement therapy can be prescribed in the form of tablets, capsules, patches, vaginal creams or vaginal rings. Brands of HRT includes:
| Oral HRT |
Transdermal HRT |
Vaginal HRT |
Activella Tablets
Amen Tablets
Aygestin Tablets
Cenestin Tablets
Estrace Tablets
Estratab Tablets
Estratest Tablets
Estratest H.S. Tablets
Femhrt 1/5 Tablets
Menest Tablets
Premarin Tablets
Premphase Tablets
Prempro Tablets
Prometrium Capsules
Provera Tablets
|
Alora Patches
Climara Patches
CombiPatch Patches
Estraderm Patches
Vivelle Patches
Vivelle-Dot Patches
|
Estrace Vaginal Cream
Estring Ring
Premarin Cream
|
The information provided is intended solely for general information and is NOT to replace advice from your physician and should NOT be relied upon for any diagnosis, treatment or cure. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new medications.
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