Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Symptoms, Side Effects, Risks, and Benefits

Woman using products for hormone replacement therapy

From hot flashes to sleep challenges, the symptoms of menopause can be disruptive and uncomfortable. For some women, these changes take a significant toll on their quality of life. If lifestyle adjustments alone have failed to bring you relief, it may be time to consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

In a recent blog, we shared an overview of HRT, including what it’s used for and who may be a good candidate for it. Here, we’re diving deeper into this specific menopause treatment by discussing its side effects, risks, and benefits.

HRT Symptoms & Side Effects

HRT is used to treat a number of symptoms you might experience in the time leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause. For instance, HRT can alleviate brain fog, hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. It may also reduce your risk of other health conditions related to hormone changes, including osteoporosis and heart disease.

As with most medications, HRT can also lead to certain side effects, including bloating and headaches. Breast soreness and vaginal spotting may also occur, but these side effects are often temporary. More serious side effects are rare, but may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Breast lumps
  • Vision changes
  • Shortness of breath
  • Leg pain
  • Severe headache
  • Slurred speech
  • Limb weakness or numbness
  • Abdominal pain

Since they could indicate a serious health issue, seek immediate medical attention if you experience these or any other health changes while taking HRT.

What Are the Risks of HRT?

Perhaps the most noteworthy risk of HRT is that it has been associated with certain types of cancer. There are two main types of HRT: estrogen-only therapy (ET) and estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT). While ET can improve menopause symptoms, it increases the likelihood of developing endometrial cancer, or cancer of the uterus. To mitigate this risk, ET is only prescribed to women who have had their uterus removed via hysterectomy.

EPT carries its own risks, as well. The Women’s Health Initiative, a large-scale study on the risks of HRT concluded in the early 2000s, was halted when researchers linked EPT to a possible increased risk of breast cancer and feared compromising otherwise healthy women. However, some members of the medical community have since questioned whether the study was stopped prematurely since the risk appears to be low. According to the American Cancer Society, only eight more cases of breast cancer would result in 10,000 women taking EPT, compared to those not using HRT.

Both types of HRT do carry other risks as well, including the potential for stroke and blood clots, though these serious health risks vary based on each patient’s health factors. The most favorable benefit-risk profile is shared among women who take the lowest dose of HRT for the shortest amount of time, especially those who are younger menopausal women and those who have had their uterus removed.

Benefits of HRT

There’s a wealth of evidence that indicates HRT is effective for treating potentially debilitating symptoms of menopause, including vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, and bone loss. Addressing these symptoms could drastically improve your quality of life while also promoting better long-term health.

Because at least some risk is present with HRT, however, it’s important to make an informed and thoughtful decision with your gynecologist when considering treatment. Weighing factors such as your individual risk profile against your level of discomfort can help you come to the right choice.

Schedule an HRT Consultation With Avant Gynecology

If you’re exploring the option of HRT or other methods to achieve menopause relief, allow our women’s health specialists to help. Schedule a consultation to discuss your candidacy for HRT and any questions or concerns by calling (404) 352-2850 or by requesting an appointment online.