Are You Aware of the Inherent Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a term used to describe any
regimen or treatment designed to boost hormone levels in the body.
This popular medical practice is often sought out to correct the
natural balance of chemicals in the body after some other injury. For
instance, women who have had hysterectomies to correct a dangerous
problem with the uterus, or victims of ovarian cancer and other
maladies of the hormone-producing organs, experience a drastic
reduction in estrogen production.
The resulting imbalance of hormones is not itself deadly. However,
the side effects of extremely low estrogen levels are persistent and
can be extremely uncomfortable, even quite painful. This is why so
many victims pursue HRT - it promises a quick fix and a better way of
life. Typically, women that choose to take this common medicinal
route are attempting to avoid symptoms such as:
Hot flashes Vaginal
dryness Vaginal
burning Vaginal
irritation
However, HRT medications are not without risk. In fact, many doctors,
victims, and lawyers believe that drugs such as Premarin and Prempro
could actually cause more problems than they solve. These
prescription pills, patches, and liquids are created and marketed by
Pfizer, who purchased Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in 2008. They attempt to
restore normal chemical balances by flooding the body with
bioidentical estrogens, meaning that they are chemicals designed to
mimic naturally-produced chemicals.
Common complications associated with use include, but are not limited
to the following:
Breast pain and unusual swelling Abdominal
pain from “bloating” or atypical fluid retention Mild
headaches and dizziness Decreased
sex drive Increased
amounts of acne and hair growth
The good news is that none of the ailments listed above are deadly.
However, the bad news is that they may be indicators of larger issues
that could be much more dangerous. In fact, they may be signs of
coming problems, such as:
Increased risk of breast cancer (usually after 4 or more years on
therapy) Unusual
breast density, which may lead to breast cancer and makes mammogram
interpretation difficult Increased
risk of ovarian cancer Increased
risk of blood clots that can lead to stroke Increased
risk of heart attack Increased
risk of gall bladder disease
The reason for these problems is not yet clear. However, as doctors,
victims, and lawyers will attest, the link is very real. For this
reason, those that choose to take HRT medications must monitor their
situation closely. If you have ever
taken any of the drugs listed above, and are feeling unwell, see a
medical professional immediately, as there is a definite link between
estrogen and breast cancer . Once your doctor or physician has
documented your injuries, and verified that they may be due to a
regimen of estrogen hormones, contact a qualified attorney or lawyer.
They will help you determine and secure your rights under U.S. law.
Due to your situation, you may be eligible to join or begin a lawsuit
against the company responsible.
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