Is Hormone Replacement Safe?
For many years, there has been a lot of debate over the safety and long term effects of hormone replacement for women who have gone through the menopause or hysterectomy, but there is a great deal of misleading information out there which is leaving many women unsure of what to believe. Hormone replacement can help women to overcome the most debilitating side effects of menopause and hysterectomy, and we believe it’s important that our patients are not dissuaded from undergoing such an effective treatment as a result of being given inaccurate safety information. In this blog, we’ll answer all of your most frequently asked questions on the safety of hormone pellets, creams, tablets and patches.
What are the side effects of hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement is basically the process of introducing extra hormones into your system, including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, so it is to be expected that they may cause some side effects. The side effects of each type of hormone vary, for example, with estrogen the most common side effects are:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Indigestion
- Leg cramps
Side effects of progesterone include:
- Headaches
- Vaginal bleeding
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Acne
- Back ache
All of these side effects can also be experienced as a result of the menopause, so the important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t be trading off menopausal symptoms in exchange for side effects of hormone replacement. Your doctor’s role is to create a balance of hormones to manage symptoms of the menopause with minimal side effects, so it may take some time to ensure that estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels are at an optimum level. You should always report any side effects of your hormone replacement treatment to your doctor, as they will do everything possible to keep them to a minimum.
Who is most at risk of complications from hormone replacement?
People who have or have had the following medical conditions should not undergo hormone replacement therapy:
- Blood clots
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Liver disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
However, a doctor will be able to complete a full assessment of a patient and conclude whether or not it is safe for them to undergo hormone replacement. If you have had any of these conditions in the past but think that hormone replacement could still be a helpful treatment for you, you should consult your doctor to find out if it will be safe.
Does hormone replacement cause cancer?
After many studies into the long term effects of hormone replacement in women, it was found that there is an increased risk of cancer for those who have had the treatment for over five years. However, experts agree that the benefits of the treatment far outweigh the risks, and provided that patients are regularly monitored by their doctor, the risk can be carefully managed. It is also important to note that the risk of cancer development varies depending on the type of hormone replacement being given; this is another reason why initial doctors’ assessments are so important in establishing the right type of treatment for each patient.
Are there any short term safety risks to consider with hormone replacement therapy?
Immediate risks of hormone replacement can vary from procedure to procedure. With hormone pellets, the main risk is superficial infections in the skin as a result of the incision made to insert the pellet, though the occurrence of this is extremely rare and treatment is simply a course of antibiotics. There is also a very low risk of unusually excessive bleeding, which can be dealt with by applying pressure, topical agents or stitches.
For hormone replacement patches and creams, the most common immediate risk is skin irritation in the area in which it was applied. The effect of this skin irritation is minimal and will usually disappear after stopping using the hormone replacement. Patients who experience skin irritation usually have to turn to hormone pellets or tablets in order to overcome the problem.
Consult your doctor for more information
If you’re currently undergoing hormone replacement and have any concerns about the safety or side effects of your treatment, or you’re considering hormone replacement and have more specific questions relating to your medical history, you should consult with your doctor. Our physicians are highly experienced in all aspects of hormone replacement and will be able to give you honest, trustworthy advice and complete peace of mind in the safety of your treatment.
