National Institute of Health study
In Summer 2003, a National Institute of Health study determined that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) contributed to increased risk of heart disease, some types of
cancer, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease.
Recently, hearing, asthma, and--ironically--incontinence have been added to the "Increased Risk" list. For links to other studies you may find interesting:
www.mayoclinic.com/health/hormone-therapy/WO00046
Hormone therapy increases risk of
- Heart disease
- Breast cancer
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- Dementia
From the FDA http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2006/020527s037lbl.pdf
Premerin Prempro and Premaphase can cause the following side effects:
- Breast cancer
- Cancer of the uterus
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Blood clots
- Dementia
- Gallbladder disease
- Ovarian cancer
These are some of the warning signs of serious side effects:
- Breast lumps
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Dizziness and faintness
- Changes in speech
- Severe headaches
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Pains in your legs
- Changes in vision
- Vomiting
Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these warning signs, or any other unusual symptoms that concerns you.
Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Breast pain
- Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Stomach/abdominal cramps/bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
Other side effects include:
- High blood pressure
- Liver problems
- High blood sugar
- Fluid retention
- Enlargement of benign tumors of the uterus (“fibroids”)
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Mental depression
These are not all the possible side effects, just the most common.
