Hormone Replacement Therapy, more commonly known as HRT, carries other risks besides the potentially increased risk for breast cancer and uterine cancer. Although women who have had hysterectomies are not at risk for uterine cancer, women who still have their uteruses and choose to undergo HRT may choose an estrogen and progestin combination drug to lessen their risk.

For years it was believed that replacement therapy could help to prevent heart disease and stroke. However, more recent studies strongly advise women against using the therapy to prevent these two afflictions. In fact, warning labels on many HRT drugs advise against using replacement therapy to prevent heart disease and stroke because the drugs may actually increase the risks in the long run. Recent studies have produced statistics for the increased risk in heart disease and strokes in women taking replacement therapy. In fact, approximately 41 percent of women taking replacement therapy experienced an increase in risk for strokes, while 29 percent of women had an increased risk of a heart attack. Additionally, HRT also doubled women’s risk of developing blood clots in the legs and lungs.

Many women may have trouble weighing the risks and benefits of taking the drugs. They perceive the data as being unclear and potentially frightening. How can they decide if they should take the drug, which may lessen the likelihood or severity of osteoporosis but also may increase the risk of uterine cancer and heart disease? The best answer is to consult with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to help you weigh your individual risks of taking the drug and determine if doing so is the right answer for you. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pursue therapy will be yours. While the risks look frightening, it is important to remember why you would consider taking the therapy in the first place. The therapy has proven effective at relieving severe symptoms of menopause, and it is important to remember those benefits.