Researchers believe that the longer a woman is exposed to the estrogen in her body, the greater her risk of breast cancer . It is not clear whether women who take estrogen will increase their risk of breast cancer. Some studies say that it will, some say that it will not. Long-term use of HRT may increase the number of women who get breast cancer from 10 to 13 women per 10,000 women. A healthcare provider can help a woman sort through all the risks, risk factors, and benefits of treatments.
Side effects can include headaches , bloating, and irritability .
A woman who is using hormone replacement therapy during perimenopause may want to reassess using HRT after menopause. Most symptoms of menopause go away after a woman stops getting her period. She will continue to be at risk for osteoporosis and heart disease unless she takes estrogen. Postmenopause is monitored by yearly gynecological exams. If a woman has menstrual bleeding 6 months or more after her last period, she should contact her healthcare provider.