Important Questions to Ask Before Starting HRT

Dr. Heward shares the most important question a woman should ask herself before starting HRT.

What is the most important question a woman should ask herself before starting Hormone Replacement therapy/HRT? Well, the most important question is, "Is there a family risk for breast cancer?" and an attempt to gauge the degree to which the fear of that risk is going to be stressful to her. Many people would say that if there’s a family risk for breast cancer that would preclude consideration of hormone replacement therapy, but again, I think that’s a very individual decision depending upon things such as, “What is the family’s risk of cardiovascular disease?” as well. So one needs to weigh all the perceived risks and benefits and then make a decision based upon those risks and benefits, and the only way that one can do that effectively is to work with a knowledgeable physician who can help you gauge those things and together, the two of you come up with what’s the correct decision for you.