Hormone replacement therapy is also called menopausal hormone therapy. Menopause refers to the end of menstrual cycle. The process of menopause has some common symptoms including hot flushes, sleep disorder, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings etc. Hormone replacement therapy is sought to relieve the symptoms.
The therapy was first introduced in the 1970s. It became very popular. However, its popularity has dramatically shrunk in the last couple of decades after the oncology researchers claimed a link between hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer, blood clots and stroke. Since then, many researchers have continued their studies on the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy.
Different Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy: This therapy involves both estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone). The treatment is administered in different ways – through patches or oral drugs. It is recommended for women who have not undergone hysterectomy i.e. surgical removal of uterus.
Estrogen-Only Hormone Replacement Therapy: This therapy involves only estrogen. It may include patches, oral pills, vaginal rings and tablets, creams or a spray. Topical estrogen helps those with vaginal dryness by triggering blood flow in the vagina, which can relieve pain during intercourse. However, it does not work on other symptoms such as, hot flushes.
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Cancer Risk
According to studies, hormone replacement therapy can increase risk for gallbladder disease and stroke. However, the degree of association between medications and effect is negligibly small.
Whether hormone replacement therapy can increase your cancer risk depends on which type of treatment you have opted for. Estrogen-only therapy thickens and hardens the lining of the uterus and may enhance the risk for uterine cancer. This is why combined hormone replacement therapy is often recommended for the women who have not undergone hysterectomy. The combined therapy makes the lining of the uterus thinner and reduces the risk for uterine cancer.
According to a 2002 study published in the journal of the American Medical Association, researchers claimed a strong link between combined therapy and increased risks for cardiovascular diseases and breast cancer in women. However, the study mentioned that combined therapy could reduce the risk for colon cancer by 37%. In 2008, a study showed that women would not gain benefits of reduced colon cancer risks after discontinuing with medications.
Estrogen-only therapy is recommended for the women who have undergone hysterectomy. For the same therapy, the researchers have found a decreased risk for breast cancer.
After the publication of Women’s Health Initiative study, a dramatic decrease in the use of combined therapy was found. Even today, you will get conflicting views on hormone replacement therapy. Hence, it is important to consult physicians at cancer hospitals in Kolkata to know if you really need hormone replacement therapy and if yes, which therapy to go with.
You should ask your doctor the following questions:
- What are the risks for breast, ovarian or uterine cancer of hormone replacement therapy?
- What protections should I need after taking the medications?
- Will my genetics or family history affect my decision?
- Is there any alternative therapy with reduced risks for cancer?
Just like any therapy, hormone replacement therapy has certain merits and demerits. Hence, you should talk to an oncologist at cancer special hospital in Kolkata for advice in this matter.