Two of the most common symptoms of the pre-menopause years are vaginal dryness and hot flashes, HRT does appear to be able to combat these effectively but at what cost? Over two thousand cases of breast cancer in the UK each year are linked to hormone replacement therapy, for those taking oestrogen only HRT the risk increases by around two women per thousand, for those taking oestrogen and progesterone combined this rises to an additional six per thousand.
With any hormone replacement therapy many women report feelings of 'being under the weather,' significant weight gain and unusual bleeding patterns, this can be as depressing as the symptoms of menopause themselves.
Unfortunately the drug companies do not promote this information in the same way that the benefits are advertised.
It is vital for any woman considering HRT to discuss the downside of replacement hormone therapy, to get all the facts first and this should be done with a doctor who is fully conversant with the problems as well as the benefits.
If you are still interested in going down the HRT route ask your doctor for the lowest dose possible and preferably in the form of a transdermal gel.
These gels are squirted on to the skin and absorbed without the need for oral tablets.
It is much easier to regulate the amount of pharmaceuticals you are taking this way.
An alternative for many women is the intra-uterine device or coil which can be a delivery method for progesterone, the more risky drug, straight to the womb without having to go right through the body.
A lot of women find that the IUD or coil is uncomfortable and cannot get on with it, but for many it is an acceptable option.
Herbal remedies can provide relief of menopause symptoms and they have the enormous benefit of few or even zero side effects.
Soy isoflavones and flax seed, red clover and black cohosh are all recommended by various health experts.
A cliche but very true is that eating sensibly and taking regular exercise are both excellent for the relief of menopause symptoms.
Vaginal dryness can be alleviated with a topical lubricant which is organic and perfectly natural.
Another cliche perhaps but valid for many reasons is to keep hydrated, sipping water throughout the day can leave you feeling better in many ways so keep a glass of water handy.
Tap water is as good as anything so do not think you have to splash out on expensive mineral water.
The avoidance of alcohol can lead to a lessening of the night sweats and hot flashes that many women experience for reasons as yet unknown but even a small glass of wine is believed to exacerbate the symptoms, so if you can resist it you may find that it helps.