Hormone Replacement Therapy

Women in menopause may have concerns about starting hormone replacement therapy - or HRT - to regulate their hormones. Good Housekeeping explains the pros and cons of HRT and some worthwhile alternatives.

Women approaching menopause often ask themselves: Should I start hormone replacement therapy to regulate my hormonal levels?

"Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, comes in a pill or a patch. It alleviates symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and can protect against osteoporosis and possibly colon cancer. But estrogen in HRT can raise the risk of breast cancer and that concerns many women," said Catherine Winters, Good Housekeeping Health Editor.

There are other options for women facing menopause ... to protect your heart ... eat a low-fat diet rich in grains, fruit and vegetables and try adding soy foods to your diet.

"The feeling with soy is it could probably lower cholesterol and help with hot flashes. The best way to take soy is really to get it from food. It's all right to use supplements as long as it's not to excess," said Dr. Michelle Warren, director at Columbia University's Center For Menopause.

Women concerned about osteoporosis may want to start hormone replacement therapy. Its estrogen prevents the loss of bone.

"If you don't want to take HRT but you do want to combat osteoporosis, try to get at least 1200 milligrams of calcium a day from milk, or foods like cheese or yogurt or even calcium supplements," Winters said.

Women who decide to take hormone replacement therapy need to remember to take the pill every day or replace the patch once or twice a week. Side effects can include bloating, breast tenderness, and bleeding.

Good Housekeeping says that women entering menopause should talk with their doctors to determine the best options for them. And women who start on hormone replacement therapy can work with their doctors to gradually decrease HRT once their estrogen levels have stabilized.