Why bother taking women off Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)? Isn't it the best? In an Australian review of several studies on psychological effects of progesterone added to estrogen in menopause hormone regimens, 85% of women in one study asked to be taken off because of side effects (withdrawal bleeding worse than periods with fibroids, mood swings out of control). Progesterone added to estrogen gave PMS-like symptoms including depression and agitation together, so now if women complain, progesterone may be what is dropped first.
WOMEN, ASK YOURSELF: Do you want to come off HRT? It is every woman's decision whether HRT is for her or not. Take a long look at risk factors, weighing up the advantages and disadvantages for you personally. Be realistic about the lifestyle changes you are ready to make if you want to switch to natural methods.
DOCTORS, ASK YOUR PATIENT: Do you agree that the decision and responsibility rest with her alone? Will she dedicate an office visit with you to sorting out answers? She may not know which media headline or expert to believe. There is no imperative one way or the other. Many women find HRT superfluous, even if they have not been taking care of their health scrupulously for years. Eating well and other aspects of health are helpful but they are part of a way of living, not a short-term solution. Can you be her health advocate on this question or would you prefer to refer?