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Long-Term Life-Threatening Medical Problems Decreased by HRT
Did you know that Menopausal symptoms and Menopause, often characterized by quite annoying but obviously non-lethal signs and symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings, may only be the visible tip of an often dangerous, and even lethal, “health problem-iceberg”, that can cause you great harm and loss?
It is true, the loss and deficiency of your female hormones, can and often does, lead to a host of chronic, even life-threatening medical problems.
While commonly menopausal symptoms will only be pesky, annoying and sometime overtly troublesome, they are not the biggest negative aspect of the risks associated with menopause. If menopause is left untreated, this hormone imbalance, menopause, can lead to a host of long-term health problems and complications.
When menopause occurs and is left untreated, the hormone imbalances associated with menopause can lead to a host of long-term health problems and complications. Your decline in estrogen, progesterone and even testosterone levels, these three issues being the hallmarks of menopause, is ultimately associated with increased risk of premature aging, unsightly skin changes, weight gain, vaginal atrophy, urinary incontinence, oral health problems, cataracts and macular degeneration, mood swings, depression, and anxiety and of course, the real life-threatening problems:
1. Cardiovascular Disease
The decline in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
2. Osteoporosis
Reduced estrogen levels can lead to bone density loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly of the hip, spine, and wrist.
3. Breast Cancer
The risk of breast cancer can increase with age, and certain hormone replacement therapies (HRT) used to manage menopausal symptoms can also elevate this risk.
4. Endometrial Cancer
Changes in hormone levels can increase the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer, especially in women who use estrogen-only HRT without progesterone.
5. Ovarian Cancer
The risk of ovarian cancer may also increase with age and hormonal changes associated with menopause.
6. Diabetes
Menopause can lead to changes in body composition and metabolism, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
7. Stroke
The risk of stroke increases with age and can be exacerbated by the cardiovascular changes that occur during menopause.
8. Hypertension
Menopause can lead to an increase in blood pressure, contributing to the risk of hypertension and related complications.
9. Dementia and Cognitive Decline
Some studies suggest that the hormonal changes during menopause may be associated with an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
10. Mood Disorders
Menopause can increase the risk of mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, which can impact overall health and well-being.
It’s important for women going through menopause to have regular check-ups (Complete Physical Exam, Pap Smear, Pelvic Exam, Breast Exam, Mammography, Bone Density Screening, Hormone Levels, CBC Lipids, Stool for Blood, and whatever else is necessary based on Medical and family history) with their healthcare providers to monitor their risks and take preventive measures when and where possible. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking can also help mitigate many of these risks.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can help to both alleviate immediate negative and annoying and problematic signs and symptoms, but it can also mitigate most, if not all of the potential long-term health risks as listed above. While few medical doctors consider these long-term problems as risk of menopause versus simply aging, it’s crucial to consider HRT as a strategy for comprehensive menopausal management, rather than merely a treatment for immediate minor or annoying signs and symptoms. If you have questions, please ask them, that is what I am here for.
Article by Dr. Allen Lawrence, M.A., M.D., Ph.D.
