Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, refers to the use of estrogen and progesterone, often prescribed to supplement the declining levels of these hormones that occur during menopause.
HRT is effective in relieving menopausal discomforts such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. For symptom relief, HRT is generally prescribed for one to five years, says the Canadian Women’s Health Network, which is partnered with the federal Centres for Excellence for Women’s Health.
More recently, hormone therapy has been prescribed to reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, which affects women as they age.
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The Women’s Health Initiative study in the United States stopped part of its work last year when its data showed that women on estrogen and progesterone had a 29 percent increase in heart disease, a 41 percent increase in strokes and a large increase in blood clots in the lungs.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada has said that hormone therapy should not be prescribed to women who already have a history of heart disease nor should HRT be prescribed solely to reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada has cautioned against panicking over the U.S. study. The Canadian society supports the short-term use of HRT up to five years, saying there is no increased risk of breast cancer for those using it for a short period.
Dr. Clare Rowson, who writes the Health Clinic column for the Western Producer, said doctors now only prescribe HRT for a maximum period of five years. They will normally only prescribe it on a case-by-case basis if there are symptoms such as severe hot flashes or lack of sleep.
