Starting with perimenopause symptoms, hormone therapy has been the leading choice for women to reduce menopause symptoms. Recent studies indicate it is no longer the gold standard treatment for menopausal symptoms.

The two things you need to know are the following:

First, long-term hormone use can be dangerous. A recent study done at the Center for Women's Health at the Oregon Health and Science University found that women who took hormones for 3 years or more had triple the risk of some types of breast cancer. Current menopause information says it is clearly not recommended for breast cancer survivors, who are more likely to have the cancer reoccur if they take hormones.

Next, it was originally thought hormone therapy protected the cardiovascular system. As early as perimenopause, doctors were prescribing hormones with the idea that a side benefit was protecting the cardiovascular system. While the findings regarding the cardiovascular system may not be conclusive, the studies seem to indicate the odds of having a stroke were higher in hormone replacement users aged 50 and older.

Other Findings: Recent menopause information in articles on perimenopause symptoms make experts even more concerned about hormone replacement. Studies show women on hormones are over 60% more likely to develop gallstones because estrogen has been found to trigger formation.

Remarkably, a 2006 study found, for reasons no one understands, women who use hormone replacement therapy had hearing loss comparable with women who were 10 years older.

While health articles present the pros and cons, the bottom line is the hormone therapy decision is more difficult than ever. FOR SOME WOMEN THE CHOICE IS CLEAR, DON'T TAKE HORMONES IF YOU HAVE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE OR A PERSONAL OR FAMILY HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER.

Health articles suggest women should first try to treat hot flashes and other menopause symptoms with natural hormone replacement therapy like black cohosh. The product is actually a balancing cream, which optimally balances hormones and can also be used by women not in menopause.

Health articles are very clear that hormone replacement can relieve severe menopause symptoms in healthy women; however, should only be considered after trying natural approaches. In summary, please do personal research before making a decision on hormone therapy and try all available natural products or remedies before further considering actual prescribed hormone therapy.