The Side Effects of Hormone Therapy: What You Need to Know
Hormone replacement therapy is used to replace certain hormones when your body has begun making less of them. Because hormones are very powerful chemical messengers in the body, any changes in their levels can cause side effects.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy usually outweigh any side effects, but it is important to be aware of the side effects before you begin treatment. Here are some essential things to know about the side effects of hormone replacement therapy.
Why Does Hormone Therapy Cause Side Effects?
Hormones are chemical messengers that are used all over the body to help with certain bodily functions. Altered hormone levels can cause several different effects throughout the body, depending on the type of hormone affected.
For example, some people use hormone replacement therapy to increase their estrogen levels in order to improve bone health and help treat uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes. Even as estrogen levels are corrected, the body will need time to adjust to the changing levels of these important chemicals.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Hormone Therapy?
As with any medication, hormone replacement therapy can cause side effects. Talk with your doctor before beginning hormone therapy so that you can know what to expect and be aware of what side effects might warrant medical attention.
Common side effects of hormone therapy include:
- Headache
- Stomachache
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Appetite changes
- Weight changes
- Nervousness
- Dark patches of skin
- Acne breakouts
- Swelling in the hands, feet, and lower legs
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Tenderness in the breasts
Some of these side effects can be mild and unnoticeable. If you notice them worsening or becoming severe, you should contact your doctor immediately.
In rare cases, it is possible to experience serious complications from hormone replacement therapy. Common signs of these complications include:
- Double vision
- Severe pain in the abdominal region
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Severe depression
- Abnormal bleeding
- Skin rash
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stool
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.
It’s possible that you may experience side effects from hormone therapy that are not listed in this article. If you notice any abnormal feelings as a result of taking hormone replacement medications, you should contact your doctor to find out if there is any cause for concern.
How Long Do the Side Effects of Hormone Therapy Last?
The side effects of hormone therapy tend to be temporary. You may find that the side effects are worse when you first start treatment, and then they settle down after a few weeks or months. Some side effects will only last during the time you’re undergoing hormone therapy and then go away once the treatment process is complete.
How to Deal with Hormone Therapy Side Effects
Dealing with the side effects of hormone therapy can be challenging. Talk with your doctor before you begin hormone therapy about what side effects to expect. Some good questions you can ask your doctor before starting hormone therapy include:
- What side effects can I expect?
- How common are these side effects?
- Who can I contact if I start to experience new or worsening side effects?
- What can I do to prevent or treat side effects?
Keep track of your side effects by keeping a journal or using an app to note any side effects you’re having or if they worsen. Always let your doctor know about any new side effects you’re experiencing or if you notice that your existing side effects begin to worsen.
Contact Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding About Hormone Therapy
Because hormone therapy can cause several side effects, it is very important to talk with your doctor about what to expect before getting started. If you feel that you may need hormone therapy, we encourage you to request a hormone consultation with the medical professionals at Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding.
Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding is a longstanding and reputable source for bioidentical hormone therapy, and we are dedicated to helping you improve your quality of life through hormone balancing. If our pharmacists determine that you may benefit from hormone therapy, we will help you obtain a prescription-based hormone therapy written by your physician.
