Gynecological conditions and HIV / AIDS

October 2005     View PDF     En español

The use of HRT

Below are both the benefits and risks associated with HRT use. Remember, the bottom line is that this is your decision, and the best one for you may differ from someone else’s. This does not make one right or wrong. A decision to start HRT or not is an individual one and one you can make in your own time.

Benefits

• Relieves symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
• Reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
• May reduce the risk of heart disease.
• May help to improve memory.

Risks

• Can have some unpleasant side effects like bloating, irritability, breast tenderness, cramping and sometimes spotting or return of your monthly periods for a few months or years.
• May increase the risk for breast cancer—long-term use appears to pose the greatest risk.
• An increase in the risk of developing blood clots.