What happens after menopause?
Women are at higher risk for some diseases, such as osteoporosis (bone thinning) and heart disease. Their bodies no longer make the estrogen that helps protect them against these diseases. Some women also continue to have symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Hormone Therapy. Hormone therapy increases the levels of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, or both in your body. If you are approaching menopause or have gone through menopause, you may be considering hormone therapy to relieve symptoms of menopause or to reduce your risk for diseases such as osteoporosis. Hormone therapy may reduce your risk for fracture, bone thinning, and colorectal cancer. On the other hand, there is evidence that some hormone therapies may increase your risk for breast cancer, heart disease, blood clots, stroke, and gall bladder disease. For women with mild or no symptoms of menopause, the potential harms of hormone therapy may outweigh the benefits. If you are considering hormone therapy, it i
