If you are considering talking to your doctor about taking hormones to help out with your menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, as well as other things like hot flashes, weight changes, and other symptoms then you should know that there are some health conditions that can prevent you from taking HRT. Below is a list of health conditions that you need to be cleared for to make sure that you can safely take hormones. If you have any of these conditions, your doctor may not recommend hormone therapy.

1) Breast or endometrial cancer: Hormone therapy involves the administration of hormones like estrogen or progesterone. Breast and endometrial cancers are hormone-dependent, meaning they grow in response to these hormones. Therefore, providing additional hormones through therapy can potentially stimulate the growth of cancer cells, worsening the condition. Hormone therapy is generally contraindicated or closely monitored in individuals with a history of breast or endometrial cancer to avoid promoting cancer recurrence or progression.

 

2) Blood clots: Hormone therapy, particularly estrogen-based therapies, can increase the risk of blood clots. Estrogen can affect the blood’s clotting abilities, making it more prone to forming clots. These clots can be dangerous as they may travel into blood vessels, causing complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (blockage of blood vessels in the lungs). Individuals who already have a clotting disorder or a history of blood clots are at an increased risk, and hormone therapy can further raise this risk.

 

3) Liver disease: Hormone therapy is metabolized in the liver, and any pre-existing liver disease can affect the liver’s ability to properly process these hormones. Liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver failure can impair the liver’s function, leading to inadequate hormone metabolism and potentially causing harmful effects. The liver also plays a key role in regulating hormone levels in the body, and any underlying liver dysfunction can disrupt the balance, making hormone therapy riskier.

 

4) Heart disease: Hormone therapy, especially estrogen-based therapies in postmenopausal women, has been associated with certain cardiovascular risks. Estrogen can influence the cardiovascular system by affecting blood vessel health, lipid metabolism, and clotting factors. This can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular events. Individuals with pre-existing heart disease, including those who have had a heart attack or stroke, need to be cautious with hormone therapy due to the potential for worsening their cardiovascular condition.

 

In summary, breast or endometrial cancer, blood clots, liver disease, and heart disease make hormone therapy risky due to the potential for promoting cancer growth, increasing the risk of clotting disorders, impairing liver metabolism, and worsening cardiovascular health. It is essential for healthcare providers to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of hormone therapy in individuals with these medical conditions and closely monitor their health during the treatment.