Have You Experienced Dangerous HRT Side Effects?

Have You Experienced Dangerous HRT Side Effects?

During menopause, many women seek relief from symptoms through a hormone replacement therapy  (HRT). These uncomfortable, lingering problems can include hot flashes, problems sleeping, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and the bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Hundreds of thousands of other women throughout the country also experience similar problems, typically after having a hysterectomy or experiencing damage or disease of the uterus or ovaries. The underlying cause of pain in all these situations is a drastic reduction in estrogen, a hormone naturally produced by the human body that is responsible for the proper development and function of the sex organs. Unfortunately, when many women begin taking medicine to correct the problem, they experience painful and potentially deadlyHRT side effects.

Although these prescription medications are designed to mimic the natural occurrence of estrogen in the body, and many women often experience great success with the drugs, other women are not so lucky. Most experience only mild, temporary ailments, including but 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


Unfortunately, these maladies may be signifiers that something far more dangerous is lurking beneath the skin. Estrogen prescriptions have been positively associated with some of the following, far more serious complications:

• 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 exact reason for these complications is unclear. However, medical studies have shown that consistent use of any estrogen prescription can be problematic. The safest therapies are the transdermal patches and creams, as they are usually associated with the milder problems. Oral pills, such as Premarin and Prempro, are typically associated with the more extreme symptoms, especially if they are taken over a series of years. 


Premarin and Prempro are also two of the most popular therapies. The drugs were originally developed, produced, and marketed by Wyeth. However, in early 2009, Pfizer purchased the pharmaceutical company and has taken control of distributing the two medications. If you or someone you know is currently taking estrogen, it is very likely that the doctor wrote a prescription for the drug Premarin. 


If you have ever taken any of the drugs listed above, and are feeling unwell, see a medical professional immediately. 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 for your pain. Failure to work with a lawyer early on may lead to lost legal opportunities, such as monetary compensation.