Before Taking Hormones, Research the Risks of HRT Cancer
Women experience extreme reductions in estrogen production for a variety
of reasons. Many have damage to their ovaries or other reproductive organs.
Other women require hysterectomies, a radical treatment that literally removes
a woman’s uterus. This surgery is often required to save a woman’s life, or at
least drastically improve her quality of life. But, even without surgery, a
woman’s body will eventually cease making enough estrogen, a condition known as
menopause. In order to combat the side effects of this issue, which can range
from merely annoying to excruciatingly painful, many women turn to hormone
replacement therapy, also known as HRT. Unfortunately, many make this decision
without researching the prevalence and risks of HRT cancer. The issue is especially troubling in the light of medical studies and
news stories from around the world. In one Danish study, for example, over
900,000 women were tracked as they took estrogen pills as a part of their
regular treatment. The study concluded that those women, who ranged in age from
50 to 79 years, increased their likelihood of developing ovarian cancer by as
much as 38%. This news is especially troubling, given the age of the population. If
the women were younger, they would be able to pursue aggressive therapies and
have a greater chance of survival. The results of this Danish study mirrored
the results of a famous study, performed in 2002 by the Women’s Health
Initiative (WHI). In fact, the WHI study was ended prematurely, after it was
discovered that the popular Prempro estrogen pills drastically increased the
risk of ovarian and breast cancers. Unfortunately, HRT cancer is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, as
prescription estrogen medications can cause many other problems, ranging in
severity from merely annoying to life-threatening. Some of the more serious
issues are symptoms of painful complications that could require immediate
hospitalization, and include: - Chest pain or a feeling of heaviness in the chest, shoulders, or
arm
- Intense nausea, sweating, or feeling ill
- Sudden headaches or confusion
- Speech, vision, and balance problems
- Pain and swelling in the legs
- Migraine headaches
- Jaundice
- Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
- A breast lump
You may notice that some of the maladies listed above are evidence of
strokes, blood clots, and various forms of cancer. For this reason you should
seek immediate medical attention, if you notice any of the issues listed.
Waiting only increases your chances of developing HRT cancer, or some other
major medical problem. Less severe HRT side effects
should also be treated by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.
While they may seem like a mere nuisance in the beginning, ignoring them may
lead to further complications later on. Some of these symptoms include: - Mild nausea or stomach pain
- Breast swelling and tenderness
- Freckles and dark patches on the face
- Acne and increased hair growth
- Dramatic changes in weight and appetite
- Slight vaginal dryness or itching
- Changes in menstrual periods or libido
- Mild and occasional headaches and dizziness
The important thing to remember is that these therapies do have the
potential to be dangerous. If you or anyone you know is taking estrogen pills
and is feeling ill, contact a doctor immediately. If you are diagnosed with an
illness as a result of your medication, be sure to contact a qualified attorney
immediately. Only expert legal minds can help you secure and pursue your rights
under the law.
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