Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
What it is
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), which used to be called hormone replacement therapy (HRT), involves taking the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Some women can use MHT to help control the symptoms of menopause.
MHT can be very good at helping with moderate to severe symptoms of the menopausal transition and preventing bone loss, but MHT also has some risks (especially if used long-term).
MHT can help with menopause by:
MHT is not an antidepressant medication— talk to your doctor if you are having signs of depression.)
Risks of MHT
For some women, MHT may increase their chances of:
Although research into the risks and benefits of MHT is still ongoing, a recent study suggests the low-dose patch form of MHT may not have the possible risk of stroke that other forms can have. You should talk with your doctor, however, about the advantages and disadvantages of MHT based on your medical history and age.
Also keep in mind you may have symptoms when you discontinue MHT. You can talk with your health care provider about treatments other than MHT that can help deal with specific symptoms.
What to consider
- Once a woman reaches menopause, MHT is recommended only as a short-term treatment.
- Doctors very rarely recommend MHT to prevent certain chronic diseases like osteoporosis.
- Women who have gone through menopause should not take MHT to prevent heart disease.
- MHT should not be used to prevent memory loss, dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
You should not use menopausal hormone therapy if you:
If you choose MHT, experts recommend you:
Possible side effects
Call your doctor if you develop any of these problems:
To learn more about menopause click here.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), which used to be called hormone replacement therapy (HRT), involves taking the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Some women can use MHT to help control the symptoms of menopause.
MHT can be very good at helping with moderate to severe symptoms of the menopausal transition and preventing bone loss, but MHT also has some risks (especially if used long-term).
MHT can help with menopause by:
- Reducing hot flashes, night sweats and related problems such as poor sleep and irritability
- Treating vaginal symptoms such as dryness and discomfort as well as related effects such as pain during sex
- Slowing bone loss
- Possibly easing mood swings and mild depressive symptoms
MHT is not an antidepressant medication— talk to your doctor if you are having signs of depression.)
Risks of MHT
For some women, MHT may increase their chances of:
- Blood clots
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Breast cancer
- Gall bladder disease
Although research into the risks and benefits of MHT is still ongoing, a recent study suggests the low-dose patch form of MHT may not have the possible risk of stroke that other forms can have. You should talk with your doctor, however, about the advantages and disadvantages of MHT based on your medical history and age.
Also keep in mind you may have symptoms when you discontinue MHT. You can talk with your health care provider about treatments other than MHT that can help deal with specific symptoms.
What to consider
- Once a woman reaches menopause, MHT is recommended only as a short-term treatment.
- Doctors very rarely recommend MHT to prevent certain chronic diseases like osteoporosis.
- Women who have gone through menopause should not take MHT to prevent heart disease.
- MHT should not be used to prevent memory loss, dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
You should not use menopausal hormone therapy if you:
- May be pregnant
- Have problems with vaginal bleeding
- Have had certain kinds of cancers (such as breast and uterine cancer)
- Have had a stroke or heart attack
- Have had blood clots
- Have liver disease
- Have heart disease
If you choose MHT, experts recommend you:
- Use it at the lowest possible dose to alleviate your symptoms
- Use it for the shortest amount of time necessary
Possible side effects
Call your doctor if you develop any of these problems:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Headaches
- Mood changes
- Nausea
To learn more about menopause click here.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health
