Hormone Replacement Drugs

To take or not to take, that is the question. The decision to take hormone replacement drugs wreaks havoc with many women each year. With the constant flow of information about their safety and their side effects, women are finding themselves weighing the pros and cons of using this type of hormone therapy. As is the case with any prescription medication, the best way to make a decison is to educate yourself about the medication first.

Ingredients

Hormone replacement drugs are medications that one or more female hormones. They usually consist of estrogen and progestin.

Purpose

Hormone replacement drugs are taken by women who are experiencing a fluctuation in their hormones due to menopause or removal of their uterus. They help relieve symptoms caused by these fluctuations that include hot flashes, mood swings, decreased libido, and vaginal dryness.

Product Form

Hormone replacement pills can come in the form of a pill, a transdermal patch, or vaginal cream.

Side Effects

Common side effects of hormone replacement drugs include fluid retention, nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches.

Risks

When taking these drugs, there can be an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

Prevention/Solution

The best prevention you have against the risks is talking to your doctor about any current health conditions you have or have had in the past. He will then be able to develop the safest treatment plan possible for you.

Resources

• Support group for women taking hormone replacement drugs.