For other women, changes to dosage or method of delivery will be needed to eliminate these complaints. The menopausal symptom relief of HRT is due to estrogen. This risk can be returned to normal if estrogen is taken in combination with progestin. Women who have had a hysterectomy only need to take estrogen. One designer estrogen, tamoxifen, may decrease the likelihood of breast cancer development.
Research has shown tamoxifen can worsen hot flash symptoms, however.
It's also been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer and blood clots. Raloxifene, another popular designer estrogen, is used to prevent osteoporosis and vertebral fractures. Emerging studies are examining whether it can decrease breast cancer and endometrial cancer risk. It, too, has been shown to worsen hot flashes. Use of our site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use .