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The Risk and Benefits of Estrogen Hormone Therapy for Postmenopausal Women

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There is a lack of collective focus regarding the recommendation of estrogen hormone therapy (ET) for postmenopausal women. For advanced practice nurses (APRN), clarification is necessary in order to inform their clients experiencing menopause of the risks and benefits of hormone therapy use. In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of female death behind cardiovascular disease and its etiology is recently becoming more fully defined (Eccles, 2013). Breast cancer is exacerbated by the number of years clients use hormone therapy as well as each client’s lifestyle (Beckmann, 2014). Hormone therapy combination, dose and length of therapy as well as the client’s medical history all impact onset of malignancy, but the …show more content…

It is necessary to offer full disclosure to all clients if they continue combined hormone therapy, especially when related to increased risk of breast cancer. Further clarification is essential regarding the use of menopausal hormone therapy when teaching our clients. Primarily due to the fact that there are misperceptions about the risks and benefits of hormonal therapy, APRNs carry the role of teaching not only their own clients, but of teaching other nurses, new nurses, physicians and the public in general. APRNs must weigh the risks alongside of the benefits when prescribing ET or EPT to any of their clients having severe symptomology in order to promote short-term medication for symptom relief, but also, long-term relief from the potential threat of breast cancer (NAMS, 2012). The focal point of the standard of care is to manage menopausal symptoms, educate on possible potential risks in the future, and advocate for patients based on the latest evidence based practice. The APRN wants to continuously implement prevention by promoting mammograms, clinical breast exams, and breast self-awareness. Yearly breast checks by a primary care provider, promotion of appropriate vitamin and mineral supplementation intake, low fat diet, and regular weight-bearing exercise, are needed when the client is prescribed hormone therapy (Beckmann, 2014). Cultural variables and individual health considerations must be factored when promoting self-care of

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