Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her period stops. It is a normal part of aging. In the years before and during menopause, hormone levels can fluctuate. This may cause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Some women take hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also called menopausal hormone therapy, to relieve these symptoms. HRT may also prevent osteoporosis.
However, Hormone Replacement Therapy also has risks. It can increase the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Certain types of Hormone Replacement Therapy have higher risks, and may affect individual women differently depending upon health history and lifestyle. Your physician will discuss the risks and benefits with you.
