BBH 411W Final Project.docx

Abstract: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the most recommended treatments for postmenopausal women in order to combat the risks associated with changes in estrogen levels. These risks include endometrial cancer, osteoporosis, immune dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Current research has provided benefits of HRT in preventing endometrial cancer and osteoporosis. Mixed results however for cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and colorectal cancer exists. Personal motivations regarding taking HRT vary between women as well, some that do not include preventing major health risks such as cancer. This literature review describes some of the recent research regarding HRT with some of the associated health conditions. Further research is necessary to create a better understating of the efficacy and safety of HRT in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this assignment is to fulfill course requirements of BBH 411W and to stand as a personal writing sample, but the findings should not be treated as generalizable research.