Hormone Replacement Therapy

Student’s Name

Institution

Date of Submission

Hormone Replacement Therapy

I do not support Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) since there are numerous uncertainties regarding the probable effects of the therapy. Some of these uncertainties include the possibility of the therapy decreasing or increasing a patient’s risk of cancer, thromboembolism, or cardiovascular attacks (Arcangelo & Peterson, 2013).). Nonetheless, it is certain that HRT can have adverse effects on an individual. Although this is so, it would be prudent to analyze the enormous benefits and limitations of HRT.

Strengths

While there are many speculations on the benefits of HRT, some of the known strengths of HRT include improving of sexual performance, vitality, Muscle strength, energy, and quality of life (Holloway, 2010).

Limitations

There are numerous limitations to the use of and prescription of supplemental hormones. Some of the limitations in women are abnormal uterine bleeding, breast discomforts, fibroid enlargement, and uterine cancer (Jernstrom 1999). All of which are connected to HRT.

Limitations on men include risk of developing acne, increased hemoglobin, sleep apnea, a decrease in sperm count, and prostate enlargement to obstructive BPH.

Reflection

It is evident that human bodies respond rapidly to changes in molecular structures within organ systems (Yuen, 1993). On this account, I still do not support HRT due to the immense risks associated with it. However, I would recommend the use of bio-identical hormones, which are identical to the ones, which the body would otherwise produce (“Drugs.com” 2012.)

From the above analysis, while it may perhaps be conventional for therapists to recommend supplemental hormones for the patient, on my side I would recommend this as the last resort. Rather I would go for improved and balance diet and increased physical activity for the patient (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2012).

ReferencesArcangelo, V. P., & Peterson, A. M. (Eds.). (2013). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: A practical approach (3rd ed.). Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 

Holloway, D. (2010). Clinical update on hormone replacement therapy. British Journal of Nursing, 19(8), 496–504. Drugs.com. (2012).

Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/


Jernstrom H, (1999). Hormone replacement therapy before breast cancer diagnosis significantly reduces the overall death rate compared with never-use among 984 breast cancer patients. Br J Cancer :1453-8U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2012). Recommendations for adults. Retrieved from http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/adultrec.htm


Yuen J, (1993). Hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer mortality in Swedish women: results after adjustment for ‘healthy drug-user’ effect. Cancer Causes Control:369-74.