What are the disadvantages of taking HRT?

The main side effects of taking oestrogen include:
  • bloating.
  • breast tenderness or swelling.
  • swelling in other parts of the body.
  • feeling sick.
  • leg cramps.
  • headaches.
  • indigestion.
  • vaginal bleeding.

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What is the downside of HRT?

Combined HRT can be associated with a small increase in the risk of breast cancer. The increased risk is related to how long you take HRT, and it falls after you stop taking it. Because of the risk of breast cancer, it's especially important to attend all your breast cancer screening appointments if you're taking HRT.

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Why is HRT no longer recommended?

In fact, they have found evidence for an increased risk of blood clots and stroke. They also found an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women using HRT. Most of the effects of HRT - positive and negative - are seen while women are taking HRT, and disappear once they stop.

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What is the biggest risk of HRT?

There is a slightly increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a stroke for women over 60 who take HRT. This is more likely if they started HRT late into the menopause and use combined HRT. The risk can depend on the amount (dose) of HRT and how you take it.

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Is it better to go through menopause without HRT?

One of the common treatment options for menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), supplementing your hormone levels to rebalance your system. However, you may prefer to move through menopause without using hormone treatments. And, women with previous hormone-dependent cancer shouldn't use HRT.

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Dr. Jewel Kling - What are the risks and benefits of hormone therapy?

35 related questions found

Is 57 too old to start HRT?

There is no specific age cut-off for starting HRT.

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What happens if you don't take hormones after menopause?

Are there risks to stopping HRT? The most likely risk is that your menopausal symptoms return. Some research also suggests a rise in blood pressure and a slight increase in risk of heart attack or stroke in the year after stopping HRT. But overall, the risks of stopping HRT are low.

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Does HRT make you look younger?

HRT is also known to help women maintain softer, smoother skin, resulting in a younger look. In addition to—and, often, as a result of—these physical changes, HRT often changes how you see yourself.

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Does HRT make you gain weight?

Many women believe that taking HRT will make them put on weight, but there's no evidence to support this claim. You may gain some weight during the menopause, but this often happens regardless of whether you take HRT. Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet should help you to lose any unwanted weight.

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What are the signs that you need hormone replacement therapy?

What Are the Signs that You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy?
  • Low sex drive. The lack of estrogen can cause changes in your libido, and some women may find it more difficult to become sexually aroused. ...
  • Chronic Vaginal Itching and Burning. ...
  • Night Sweats. ...
  • Mood Swings. ...
  • Chronic Insomnia. ...
  • Hot Flashes. ...
  • Hair Loss. ...
  • Urinary Problems.

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Will I be happier on HRT?

Taking the right type of oestrogen can really help improve this low mood and other symptoms related to the menopause. Many women find that they feel calmer, have more energy, are more motivated and generally much happier when they take HRT.

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What is the safest treatment for menopause?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) HRT is a safe and effective treatment for most going through menopause and perimenopause. Your GP will discuss any risks with you. HRT involves using oestrogen to replace your body's own levels around the time of the menopause.

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What is the safest HRT for menopause?

So in summary, the safest types of HRT are the oestrogen applied through the skin as a patch, gel or spray with body identical micronised progesterone. Many women also benefit from testosterone, which may help if you're forgetful or having trouble concentrating at work.

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What age should you not take HRT?

Starting HRT after the age of 60 does not lower the risk of heart disease but it is not thought that it increases it either. Starting HRT over the age of 70 may have more risks than benefits. When to Stop HRT? There is no arbitrary age to stop HRT.

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What are the symptoms of low estrogen?

Symptoms of low estrogen can include:
  • Hot flashes, flushes, and night sweats are the most common symptoms of low estrogen. At times, blood rushes to your skin's surface. ...
  • Mood swings are another effect of low estrogen. You may feel sad, anxious, or frustrated. ...
  • Thinning tissues may cause discomfort.

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What is a natural estrogen replacement?

Traditional natural hormone replacement therapies

phytoestrogens, which are dietary estrogens found in legumes, seeds, and whole grains. folate (vitamin B-9 or folic acid) St. John's wort.

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Can HRT reduce belly fat?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can affect weight loss in women. In addition to having less abdominal fat, the same study found that women undergoing HRT were almost one whole point lower on the body mass index (BMI) scale, and they had nearly 3 pounds less of fat mass.

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Does HRT give you belly fat?

HRT does not cause weight gain. Side effects of HRT may feel like it but the reality is that bodies change in midlife. In fact, many women lose weight and feel considerably fitter on HRT.

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Will taking estrogen reduce belly fat?

How Estrogen Replacement Therapy Can Help with Belly Fat During Menopause. Recent studies show that menopausal women on hormone therapy tend to have less body fat, especially visceral belly fat. Because estrogen affects how your body distributes fat, low estrogen levels can contribute to gaining fat in your belly area.

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How long after starting HRT do you feel a difference?

It may take a few weeks to feel the effects of treatment and there may be some side effects at first. A GP will usually recommend trying treatment for 3 months to see if it helps. If it does not, they may suggest changing your dose, or changing the type of HRT you're taking.

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What happens to your face on HRT?

The first changes you will probably notice are that your skin will become a bit drier and thinner. Your pores will become smaller and there will be less oil production. You may become more prone to bruising or cuts and in the first few weeks you'll notice that the odors of your sweat and urine will change.

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Can you stay on HRT for life?

The NICE guidelines are clear (https://www.nice.org.uk / guidance/ng23) that women can continue to take HRT as long as the benefits outweigh the risks, and for most healthy women, this is for ever.

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How can I increase my estrogen naturally?

Nuts and Seeds, including almonds, flaxseeds, peanuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds. Soy and soy products, such as soybeans, tofu, miso soup, miso paste. Vegetables, particularly broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, onions, spinach, sprouts.

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How do you know menopause is over?

Postmenopause is the time after menopause, when a woman hasn't experienced a period for over a year. Postmenopause, you will no longer have periods but some women do continue to experience symptoms of menopause.

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Is it too late to take estrogen after menopause?

The International Menopause Society guidelines recommend that if menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is prescribed, it be commenced before the age of 60, or within 10 years of menopause.

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