Hormone Therapy

Only you, working together with your physician, can decide whether the benefits of using HT for relief of menopause symptoms are worth the small risks that have been identified.

Start with a thorough medical evaluation to assess your current health status. You'll also want to learn as much as you can about the options available to you. This way, the choices you make will be informed ones, tailored to your individual needs.

If you do choose HT, the Task Force recommends that you use the smallest effective dose for the shortest time you can, and that you see your doctor at least once a year to discuss whether you are ready to stop, and what new information may be available that might influence your decision to stop or continue using hormones.

Of course, you'll want to continue to get regular breast cancer screenings, including annual physician breast exams and periodic mammograms (which ACOG recommends every one to two years during your forties, and annually thereafter).

As with most issues concerning your health, the decision to use hormones is a very personal one that rests with you. Just make sure it's a well-informed one with which you feel comfortable.