Benefits and Risks of HRT
- Eases hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness
- Improves sleep and mood
- Helps maintain bone density and lowers fracture risk
- May lower risk of colon cancer
Risks
- Slightly higher chance of blood clots and stroke
- Increased risk of breast cancer with long-term combined therapy
- May raise risk of heart disease if started long after menopause
Important: The balance of benefits and risks depends on age, health history, and how long HRT is taken.
