Hormone Replacement Therapy - HRT
Hormone Replacement Therapy ("HRT") studies indicate a higher risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and other serious illnesses. The most common types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products contain Estrogen or Estradiol. Some of the most common and well known include Prempro, Premarin, Provera and Premphase.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a hormone. It is given either alone to a woman without a uterus, or is given in combination with progestin to a woman with a uterus. Estrogen is used to:
- reduce hot flashes in menopause
- treat vaginal dryness, itching, and burning due to menopause
- help reduce chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones) in menopause
- treat certain conditions in women before menopause if their ovaries do not make enough estrogen
- ease symptoms of certain cancers that have spread through the body, in men and women.
Progestin
Estrogen with progestin drug products contain two kinds of hormones: estrogens and a progestin. Adding progestin reduces the risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus. Estrogen with progestin drug products are given to postmenopausal women with a uterus to:
- reduce hot flashes
- treat vaginal dryness, itching, and burning
- help reduce chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones)
Who should not take estrogens and progestins?
Women should not take estrogens and progestins if they:
- think they are pregnant
- have unusual vaginal bleeding
- have or had certain cancers
- have had a stroke or heart attack in the past year
- have or have had blood clots
- have liver problems or liver disease
Side effects of estrogens and progestins
Less common but serious side effects include:
- Breast cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Blood clots
- Dementia
- Gallbladder disease
- Ovarian cancer
Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Breast pain
- Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss