If used under medical supervision, hormones can pose no health threat to healthy women. Before they are prescribed hormones, all women need a yearly exam to determine whether they are good candidates for using hormones, especially as they get older. The hormones that are prescribed are synthetic versions of the hormones that are naturally occurring in your body. We actually know that certain hormones, such as birth control pills, have many medical benefits. Many women enjoy shorter periods with less discomfort.
Menstrual flow is often lighter and usually more predictable.
There also seems to be a lowered rate of ovarian cancer and other reproductive cancers in women who use birth control pills. Overall, the benefits of hormones are much greater than the risks. Although it's not necessarily something most women look forward to, annual exams don't have to be a fearful experience. First of all, despite what you may have heard, the actual exam is very short, probably less than 15 minutes. The part that can be a little uncomfortable is the Pap test, but it shouldn't be painful.