News Release

Hormone replacement therapy: Is it right for you?

Reports and Proceedings

Mayo Clinic

Find out at Mayo Clinic Health Oasis, www.mayohealth.org

ROCHESTER, MINN. -- Menopause will affect every woman's life. Usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, menopause is when menstruation stops completely, and often causes numerous problems as a woman's body responds to shifting hormone levels. This week, Mayo Clinic Health Oasis, www.mayohealth.org, examines the long-term benefits as well as the risks of using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to ease these symptoms and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and possibly heart disease. HRT is taken by about 10 percent of U.S. women, most of whom are at menopause and beyond. Many women, however, worry about whether they should take HRT. Fears about the risk of getting breast cancer prevent some from ever taking it.

Studies reported recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Journal of the National Cancer Institute concluded that use of HRT may increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. The Mayo Clinic Health Oasis article puts that increased risk in context and explains how the use of HRT compares with other breast cancer risk factors.

This week's article on Mayo Clinic Health Oasis about HRT and breast cancer:
* explains the relative risk of HRT and breast cancer.
* assesses the benefits and the risks of HRT.
* compares decision factors to use HRT.
* offers suggestions to manage a healthy lifestyle during menopause.

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Visuals are available at www.mayo.edu/news

For this helpful article, click on the Women's Center/Menopause section when you visit Mayo Clinic Health Oasis at www.mayohealth.org.


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