Risks Of Hormone Replacement

Female (estradiol +/- progesterone)

• breast cancer

  • risk is only in those needing to take progesterone, but the risk is less than 1 additional case per 1,000 women per year, which is less than the risk of drinking 2 glasses of wine per day

• ovarian cancer

• endometrial cancer

  • no risk if your uterus was removed

  • risk is nearly zero if taking continuous progesterone

• blood clots

  • risk seems to only be with oral estrogens as no study to date has shown a clinically significant increased risk vs placebo when using estradiol cream or patch

• gallbladder issues

Male (testosterone)

• increases red blood cells, which may lead to stroke, heart attack, or blood clots.

• may worsen obstructive sleep apnea

• may cause accelerated male-pattern baldness, increased body hair growth, or breast enlargement

• may stimulate the growth of existing prostate cancer

• testicular atrophy with reduction in sperm, possible infertility

Benefits Of Hormone Replacement