Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy

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There has been conflicting research and advice about the safety of hormones with the increase in the aging female population within the last twenty years (National Institute on Aging). Hormone therapy has demonstrated to be the most effective FDA approved medication in the relief of menopausal symptoms, but these benefits must be weighed against serious adverse effects that hormones can cause. Although many women differ in their response to hormone products, MHT has been universally linked to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, blood clots, and strokes. Concerns about the findings discovered in the clinical and observation trials performed on MHT, have left some doctors and women hesitant in utilizing MHT to combat menopausal symptoms.

Menopause, also know as “the change” is a normal stage in the life cycle of aging women. During menopause a women’s body slowly produces less of the two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen promotes the normal development of the female breast and uterus, controls the ovulation cycle, and affects women’s physical and emotional health, while progesterone controls menstruation and prepares the lining of the uterus to receive the fertilized egg.

During perimenopause, the years prior to the onset of complete menopause, the levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate as the ovaries begin to shrink in an attempt to maintain hormone production. Perimenopause lasts several years. During this stage of menopause, women experience irregular menstrual cycles in conjunction with unpredictable episodes of heavy bleeding.

Menopause is marked by the cessation of the menstrual cycle for twelve consecutive months. Natural menopause varies in timing from woman to woman, but typ...

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