What's hormone replacement therapy (hrt) in 2012?

Various: For women, HRT boils down to the synthetic estrogen replacements available through the pharmaceutical industry and versus compounded hormones versus all natural treatments such as black cohosh, estroven, and herbal treatments. Research them all and make an informed choice that is comfortable for you. Of course, no treatment at all is always an option.

SAFE for most women: Hrt (and its reputation and safety) constantly changes as new studies come out. Here is the best 2012 review: in patients with no increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, or blood clots, trans-dermal hrt (patch, cream, gel) is relatively safe, and safe for just a few years, but as few as necessary. An even better review: talk to your own doctor.

NAMS position stmt: Please read the north american menopause society's position statement for 2012. It considerably tones down restrictive language used in the wake of the whi of 2002. Interestingly some studies have shown (in women with hysterectomies) improved survival in women who got hrt (estrogen alone) even in the whi, women who got hrt had less diabetes. It os not right for everyone, but for many, it is