When women are young, two sex hormones called estrogen and progesterone are well balanced, helping the women keep good health. Estrogen helps enhance the action of insulin, control blood cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, prevent heart disease and strokes, make the bones strong, and maintain the vaginal health. Progesterone, on the other hand, helps protect against uterus cancer.
As women grow older and by the time they are in their 40’s, the balance of estrogen and progesterone in their bodies does not remain as good as it had been when they were young. As a result, the monthly periods of these women become irregular and stop at the age of about 51 years (menopause). In context of diabetes, the hormonal imbalance and the resulting menopause in women reduce their sensitivity to insulin. As a result, their blood sugar control becomes worse, and they are exposed to increased risks for heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, brittle bones, and vaginal disease. In addition, these women face hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other discomfort associated with menopause.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) aims to restore hormonal balance in the menopaused women and protect them from the related risks. The therapy includes daily intake of estrogen supplements (with or without progestin) on a long term basis. In 2002, however, a large study on hormone replacement therapy in the United States was abruptly stopped because the HRT, instead of reducing the risk for heart attack, actually increased the risks for heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer in women. There are, however, other studies that indicate the HRTis beneficial for menopaused women with diabetes: it helps control their blood cholesterol and bloodsugar. Also, hormones are the only drugs that can relieve symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness and irritation in menopaused women. Considering the benefits of HRT, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently suggesting that HRT, when used cautiously, can be useful for many women. The FDA advises that because HRT is also associated with risks, it should be taken in the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible length of time, and should be re-evaluated every 6 months.
Discuss with your doctor the risk and benefit of hormonal replacement therapy, and ask if this therapy is right for you.
Great, I never knew this, thanks.