Hormone-replacement therapy has risks, benefits

March 25, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Please give some advice on hormone-replacement therapy. I am 52 and have been married to my second husband for nearly 10 years. We have enjoyed a wonderful intimate relationship, but now, as I approach menopause, I feel that I am losing interest, and I don’t want that to happen.

I have friends who rave about what hormone-replacement therapy has done for them. I’m interested but not comfortable discussing the topic with my male doctor.

DEAR READER: As a woman enters menopause, the ovaries decrease production of both estrogen and progesterone. This reduction causes menstruation and fertility to ultimately cease. Common side effects of menopause include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings and more.
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Patient Questions Doctor Who Prescribed Hrt

March 20, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am 72 years old. I had a hysterectomy in 1983 and have been on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) almost since then.

I have read many articles lately about the dangers of HRT, both long- and short-term. However, my primary care physician is adamant that the benefits outweigh the dangers and he continues to prescribe them for me. I respect and trust this physician and have been his patient for more than 40 years, but given the fact that my sister had a double mastectomy (of which he has been made aware), I wonder if continued use of the hormone is safe for me.

I would appreciate your thoughts on this matter. Thank you in advance for any comments you may make. [Read more...]

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