The pros and cons of hormone replacement depend on age. Initial studies of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during and after menopause suggested it helped with symptoms while potentially lowering the risk of other diseases. But subsequent studies found a concerning clot and stroke risk. A new survey of those studies by the Cochrane Review suggests that risks and benefits aren’t so black and white. “While HRT pills can ease menopausal symptoms and may offer protection against heart disease, this must be weighed against other possible harms. Women facing the dilemma should discuss it with their doctor, experts say. The Cochrane Review only looked at women taking oral HRT tablets. It found HRT may: lower a woman’s risk of developing heart disease; increase her risk of blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis; possibly increase her risk of stroke. But the findings were not clear-cut. The effect varied according to a woman’s age, when she experienced the menopause and how long she had been taking HRT.” Overall, the reviewers point out that the risks are small overall for healthy women early in menopause and there can be significant benefits for women with severe menopausal symptoms. 

Living Life Longer  Learn More