 |
|
|
|
We hope you find what you're looking for at Fetcher and we look forward to seeing you pop by soon. If you found the contents helpful or if you have any suggestions about how we can improve the website we would be pleased if you contact us. If you plan to visit again in the future, you can easily bookmark the site by clicking on this box.
|
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT) Are you interested in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), but are unsure of the risks? At one time, many women would have considered HRT without even batting an eyelid, but there is now a much great awareness that here are in fact some risks associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy. In fact, increasing numbers of women who are desperate to find an effective solution as they approach the menopause are turning to alternative medicine therapy. It is worth searching for "natural alternatives to HRT" on your favourite search engine, as there is now an abundance of natural products and advice.
"Hormone Replacement Therapy" by Nurse Margie Hormone replacement therapy or HRT has become a controversial issue in the past few years. Beginning in the 1960s oestrogen was touted as the "wonder drug" to allow women to age more slowly. By the mid 1970s conjugated equine oestrogen which was marketed under the name premarin was the most often prescribed drug in the U.S.
 In 1975 two studies showed an increase in the rate of uterine cancer in women taking oestrogen replacement. As more women became aware of these studies the use of oestrogen declined in the US. Later studies showed that combining oestrogen and progesterone reduced these risks in women with a uterus and seemed to protect them from the rapid bone loss which occurs after menopause. You may also be interested in our article on detoxification. In addition, take a look at these links that may help you to find what you're looking for: A study was started in the 1990s to determine if HRT was effective at reducing heart disease on post menopausal women. (The women's health initiative or WHI) The study was supposed to last for 9 years but was halted in 2002 (after 5 years) because of the increased risk for invasive breast cancer and heart disease among participants. It was concluded at that time that the risks out weighed the benefits to continue the study. After various studies it was concluded that for short term relief of menopausal symptoms (1-4 years) HRT benefits outweighed the risks.
The decision to continue long term HRT is one that the patient and her physician should decide based on the woman's history and risk factors. The woman should be given all the information required to make an informed decision.
At this time new drugs and no hormonal therapies are being tested. The benefits of exercise, diet and the properties of some herbs are being studied as awareness increases.
With more and more of the baby boom generation entering menopause other cultures are being looked at more closely, where women generally have a lower incidence of heart disease and breast cancer and also experience far fewer symptoms of menopause.
In conclusion Menopause is not a disease but a natural and inevitable part of the aging process. The experiences and research generated by the baby boom generation may well lead to later generations of women having much more information and understanding of the changes taking place in their bodies and help them to be more proactive in making the decisions which will affect their health into old age.
About the Author:
Nurse Margie is an RN licensed in the state of Texas. Practise areas include OB/Gyn and neonatal care.
Visit the website and discussion forums http://nursemargie.com.The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used for self diagnosis. Always see a qualified physician for diagnosis, testing and appropriate treatment. Sound advice from Nurse Margie about not doing your own diagnosis.
There are stacks of articles and pieces of advice on the Internet, but
you need to see your doctor if you are concerned about your health.
|
