HRT? Let's wait and see

HRT? Let's wait and see

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been promoted for years as a "wonder drug" that could not only deal with severe symptoms of menopause but also provide protection from other conditions like osteoporosis or colorectal cancer, and even improve general levels of energy and appearance.

But do many people know what it is or its risks and benefits? Are they willing to give it a try? The Jakarta Post asked some people and compiled their responses below.

Dewi Anggraeni, a writer: HRT has been proven to help many women who experience severe menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms. However I don't think it is a miracle cure for everybody. It is up to individuals to make decisions on whether they benefit from being on HRT. In some cases they need to try it to really weigh out the risks against the benefits.

I only know its benefits and risks from the published and available literature. From what I can gather so far, I observe that research on these issues is still inconclusive.

For instance, there have been contradictory findings on whether HRT reduces or increases the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease for those who are on it. The most known benefit is that HRT reduces severe menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms. The most known debated risk is the link between HRT and cancer, for women.

I am not on HRT at the moment, because after weighing the risks and the benefits. I decided that I did not need it.

Like many women my age, I'm also concerned about the onset of osteoporosis. However I find that the one-and-a-half hours of exercise I do every morning, which I originally adopted to manage my rheumatoid arthritis, is also helping me keep osteoporosis at bay.

If you ask me what I do in my exercise, well I do a lot of aerobics as well as stretching exercises. No, I don't walk. First, walking is not vigorous enough for my purposes, although walking in the hilly area where I live is fairly vigorous. Second, I'm basically a private person. I like to exercise in privacy.

I'm not against HRT in particular. I am just not keen on taking medication unless there is no other option. I guess I'm old-fashioned.

Helma Kusuma, a public relations officer:

I first heard about HRT from a friend at the office, but many women I know still have no idea about this therapy.

To my knowledge, HRT is for pre-menopausal women who, at their age, face a decline in estrogen hormone; this therapy is needed to help them avoid the risks of getting cancer.

But I don't know if the (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this therapy. If it's certain the therapy has no dangerous side effects and is approved by the FDA, I might use this therapy when I reach pre-menopausal age ... .

Sofia L., a journalist: Well, I've heard about HRT but I know little about it. From what I've heard, I assume it's safe enough to undergo the therapy. Reputable hospitals or clinics and doctors will convince me to take it if I have to.

With my little knowledge, I don't really understand what the benefits and the risks are but I have a positive attitude toward any new inventions or scientific breakthroughs -- they are all positively meant for us human beings.

Would I consider taking it? Yes, if I have to and have enough resources because I feel this therapy will be so costly. Do we have it around here already? If yes, then there's not much been done by ads and so-called account executives right?

-- Stevie Emilia