HRT? Let's wait and see<\/p>\n
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been promoted for years as
\na \"wonder drug\" that could not only deal with severe symptoms of
\nmenopause but also provide protection from other conditions like
\nosteoporosis or colorectal cancer, and even improve general
\nlevels of energy and appearance.<\/p>\n
But do many people know what it is or its risks and benefits?
\nAre they willing to give it a try? The Jakarta Post asked some
\npeople and compiled their responses below.<\/p>\n
Dewi Anggraeni, a writer: HRT has been proven to help many
\nwomen who experience severe menopausal and post-menopausal
\nsymptoms. However I don't think it is a miracle cure for
\neverybody. It is up to individuals to make decisions on whether
\nthey benefit from being on HRT. In some cases they need to try it
\nto really weigh out the risks against the benefits.<\/p>\n
I only know its benefits and risks from the published and
\navailable literature. From what I can gather so far, I observe
\nthat research on these issues is still inconclusive.<\/p>\n
For instance, there have been contradictory findings on
\nwhether HRT reduces or increases the likelihood of Alzheimer's
\ndisease for those who are on it. The most known benefit is that
\nHRT reduces severe menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms. The
\nmost known debated risk is the link between HRT and cancer, for
\nwomen.<\/p>\n
I am not on HRT at the moment, because after weighing the
\nrisks and the benefits. I decided that I did not need it.<\/p>\n
Like many women my age, I'm also concerned about the onset of
\nosteoporosis. However I find that the one-and-a-half hours of
\nexercise I do every morning, which I originally adopted to manage
\nmy rheumatoid arthritis, is also helping me keep osteoporosis at
\nbay.<\/p>\n
If you ask me what I do in my exercise, well I do a lot of
\naerobics as well as stretching exercises. No, I don't walk.
\nFirst, walking is not vigorous enough for my purposes, although
\nwalking in the hilly area where I live is fairly vigorous.
\nSecond, I'm basically a private person. I like to exercise in
\nprivacy.<\/p>\n
I'm not against HRT in particular. I am just not keen on
\ntaking medication unless there is no other option. I guess I'm
\nold-fashioned.<\/p>\n
Helma Kusuma, a public relations officer:<\/p>\n
I first heard about HRT from a friend at the office, but many
\nwomen I know still have no idea about this therapy.<\/p>\n
To my knowledge, HRT is for pre-menopausal women who, at their
\nage, face a decline in estrogen hormone; this therapy is needed
\nto help them avoid the risks of getting cancer.<\/p>\n
But I don't know if the (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration
\n(FDA) has already approved this therapy. If it's certain the
\ntherapy has no dangerous side effects and is approved by the FDA,
\nI might use this therapy when I reach pre-menopausal age ... .<\/p>\n
Sofia L., a journalist: Well, I've heard about HRT but I know
\nlittle about it. From what I've heard, I assume it's safe enough
\nto undergo the therapy. Reputable hospitals or clinics and
\ndoctors will convince me to take it if I have to.<\/p>\n
With my little knowledge, I don't really understand what the
\nbenefits and the risks are but I have a positive attitude toward
\nany new inventions or scientific breakthroughs -- they are all
\npositively meant for us human beings.<\/p>\n
Would I consider taking it? Yes, if I have to and have enough
\nresources because I feel this therapy will be so costly. Do we
\nhave it around here already? If yes, then there's not much been
\ndone by ads and so-called account executives right?<\/p>\n
-- Stevie Emilia<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/hrt-lets-wait-and-see-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }