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Most health care professionals believe that women going through menopause can greatly improve their quality of life with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Because menopause is a "natural phase" in life, some women don't see the need for therapy.
However, it is important to remember that women are living much longer than in the past and without HRT, your chances of developing serious health complications are greatly increased. Today, the average woman will live 30 years after menopause. Therefore, preventing disease and improving your quality of life are more important than ever.
During menopause, your body produces less of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. As a result, you may experience hot flashes, abundant perspiration, vaginal dryness and insomnia. Apart from these symptoms, you may also have a greater chance of developing cardiovascular complications, such as angina and heart attack and a bone disease called osteoporosis. HRT alleviates the above symptoms and reduces the chances of developing these health complications.
SHORT-TERM BENEFITS
• Alleviates hot flashes, abundant perspiration and insomnia. Also, it diminishes vaginal dryness and itchiness, which alleviates painful sexual intercourse.
LONG-TERM BENEFITS
• Significantly decreases the chances of bone fractures caused by osteoporosis.
• Decreases the chances of developing cardiovascular complications, such as a heart attack and stroke, by approximately 50 %. A little known fact - heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in nearly all industrialized countries.
• Improves blood-cholesterol levels by increasing the good cholesterol (HDL) and reducing the bad cholesterol (LDL).
| Do not stop
your treatment without consulting your doctor or Pharmacist.  |
HEALTH CONCERNS • There have been some media reports about a possible link between HRT and breast cancer. However, studies on this issue are inconclusive. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) advises physicians and patients to keep in mind that a woman's risk of dying from a heart attack or a bone fracture is 10 times greater than dying from breast cancer. • Some women complain that HRT causes the return of menstrual-like bleeding. This is usually temporary, but if it persists, you may want to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives. |
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Apart from HRT, the following lifestyle tips can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis:
• Quit smoking.
• Eat calcium-rich foods, such as
green vegetables and seafood
• Maintain a low-fat diet.
• Exercise regularly. A simple,
half-hour walk, three times a week helps strengthen your heart
and bones.
Keep in mind that HRT not only
relieves your immediate discomforts, it also helps protect you
from developing serious health complications over the long term. If
you have any doubts about your treatment, talk to your doctor or
pharmacist before stopping therapy so they can help you make the
best decision.
Brought to you by your:
Provincial Pharmacy Regulatory Authority, - responsible for promoting and
administering standards of pharmacy practice for the health and well-being of
the general public.
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