The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for women are numerous. They include reducing the risk of endometrial cancer, bone fractures and heart disease. In addition, the treatment may be used to prevent or treat bowel cancer. There are also risks associated with it.

Increased Risk of Heart Disease

A growing body of evidence shows estrogen positively affects heart health. However, hormone therapy results may vary depending on the patient’s age and the length of time they are receiving the treatment.

A new study looked at issues with hormone replacement therapy and heart health. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about any concerns you might have.

One of the most critical questions is whether the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks. For example, it is known that estrogen levels decline in menopause, leading to a drop in HDL cholesterol and a build-up of fat in the arteries. This can be attributed to the increase in cardiovascular events in women over 50.

Lower Risk of bowel cancer

The best way to lower your risk of colon cancer is to take proper dietary steps. In this respect, a diet high in fiber and low in fat may be your best bet. Keeping your cholesterol levels in check will also go a long way. Other things to consider include reducing your alcohol consumption. Fortunately, many gastronomical options are available in the modern era.

The risk of colorectal cancer has remained virtually stable for the past few decades. However, it remains the second most common form of cancer-related death in the US. Interestingly, premenopausal women are less likely to get the disease than their male counterparts. Menopausal hormone replacement therapy may have perks, but its risks cannot be understated.

For example, one of the world’s longest-lasting and most expensive treatments is conjugated estrogen. One study showed that using hormones can result in higher incidences of breast cancer and prostate cancer. On the other hand, the benefits of such therapies from Evolve Wellness & Health outweigh the drawbacks. To make matters even better, it is possible to use hormones to treat patients undergoing cancer treatment, thereby reducing the cost of treatment and improving the quality of life of those who receive it.

Reduce the Risk of Bone Fractures

Women at risk of bone fractures may be able to reduce their risk with hormone replacement therapy. Studies have shown that hormone therapy, in addition to other treatments, can help prevent bone loss. However, this therapy has associated risks. Among women at high risk of fractures, the benefits of treatment should be balanced against the risks.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to reduce the incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures. One of the most significant trials has demonstrated that hormone therapy can reduce the risk of both vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in women.

The trial included 16,608 postmenopausal women from 40 clinical centers in the United States. They were divided into groups based on age, race, and history of fractures. In the active group, estrogen plus progestin was given at 0.625 mg daily. A placebo group received an equal dose of the combination.

Participants were contacted every four months for up to six years. A clinical examination and questionnaire assessed their fracture risk. Using this information, a summary fracture risk score was developed. Women were classified into three risk categories: low, medium, and high.

Reduce the Risk of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a female pelvic malignancy derived from the uterine cavity epithelium. It usually occurs in women near menopause. Women are at risk of developing the disease if they have had a history of endometrial lesions, polycystic ovaries, anovulatory cycles, or obesity. The lifetime incidence is approximately 4%.

Endometrial hyperplasia (ECH) is also associated with estrogen. In the Million Women Study, a UK cohort study, EC occurred in 1320 women during 3.4 years of follow-up. Atypical endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma occurred in 1% to 10% of cases.

Estrogen-only HRT use was associated with a higher risk of EC. However, estrogen-plus-progestin (SERM) therapy did not appear to increase EC risk.

Other research has found that women with a family history of uterine cancer are at a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer. These women should consider genetic counseling.