HRT Risks: What You Need to Know Before Starting Hormone Therapy

When you hear HRT, hormone replacement therapy used to manage menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Also known as hormone therapy, it’s one of the most common treatments for women going through menopause—but it’s not without serious trade-offs. Many women start HRT because it works fast. But what happens when you take it for months or years? The risks aren’t theoretical. They’re documented in large studies, seen in clinics, and reported by real patients.

One of the biggest concerns is breast cancer, a known link between long-term estrogen-progestin use and increased tumor risk. The Women’s Health Initiative study showed a clear rise in cases after five years of combined HRT. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a real bump in risk you can’t ignore. Then there’s blood clots, a dangerous side effect that can lead to stroke or pulmonary embolism, especially in women over 60 or those with a history of clotting disorders. Even heart disease, once thought to be prevented by HRT, is now linked to higher risk in older women starting therapy years after menopause. These aren’t rare events. They’re well-documented outcomes that change how doctors prescribe today.

Not all HRT is the same. Pills carry higher risks than patches. Estrogen-only therapy is safer for women who’ve had a hysterectomy. And for some, low-dose vaginal creams or gels can help without flooding the body with hormones. The goal isn’t to scare you off HRT—it’s to make sure you’re not walking into it blind. You deserve to know the full picture: what helps, what hurts, and what alternatives exist. Below, you’ll find real, practical posts that break down exactly how these risks show up, who’s most vulnerable, and what steps you can take to protect yourself while still managing your symptoms.

19 Nov 2025
by Preethika Shanmugham
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Hormone Replacement Therapy: Benefits, Risks, and Monitoring

Hormone Replacement Therapy can relieve menopause symptoms and protect bone health-but only if started early and chosen wisely. Learn the real benefits, risks, and how to monitor your treatment safely.