Many symptoms associated with menopause are due to naturally
declining levels of estrogen; therefore, the most common
treatment is hormone replacement therapy, or H-R-T. In H-R-T,
the doctor prescribes small amounts of estrogen and another
hormone called progesterone (pro-JESS-ter-oan), also known as
progestin (pro-JESS-tin). The substances may be taken orally,
delivered through a patch, in a topical gel, or by other means.
These hormones won't maintain the menstrual cycle, but can
counteract effects like osteoporosis, vaginal thinning and
dryness, and hot flashes. This therapy can also lower 'bad' or
L-D-L cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Adding
progesterone helps balance the estrogen, so it doesn't cause
uterine cancer. Nevertheless, H-R-T is not appropriate for
everyone, and may have its drawbacks. Some studies show an
increased risk of blood clots and breast cancer, though the
latter is usually after five to ten years of therapy. Discuss
the issue with your doctor. For some symptoms, non