HRT And Lipitor Side Effects Can Be Cause For Concern

Preventing heart disease and stroke during middle age can become a very big concern for women. As the body changes and its processes become a little different, the risk factors tend to go up. This is especially so around the time of menopause and after. Many of the options for helping prevent serious issues can deliver their own potential problems. For example, hrt and Lipitor side effects should very likely be carefully weighed before they are used. These medications can pose problems, but they are often deemed more beneficial in certain cases than harmful.

Hrt and Lipitor are both quite often prescribed during the menopausal phase. Hrt helps reduce some of the more troublesome symptoms of menopause itself. Lipitor is a medication that can help prevent heart disease. They are two very different types of medications, but they are sometimes prescribed together. They also have very different potential risks. The decision to take either should be made with the advice of a knowledgeable and trusted physician.

Hrt stands for hormone replacement therapy. This involves either the use of estrogen alone or an estrogen and progesterone combination. Hrt can be very effective in stopping and preventing hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness and other common complaints of menopause. Some forms of this therapy are also beneficial for preventing and treating osteoporosis. Depending on the type of hrt being used, however, and the duration of the treatment, serious side effects are possible.

While hrt is often prescribed and is generally very effective at what it does, this form of therapy isn't without its share of side effects. Some hormone replacement therapy medicines have been linked with an increase in heart disease risk. Many are also strongly connected in several studies to higher incidence of certain forms of cancer, including breast and uterine.

Lipitor itself is actually a medication that helps lower cholesterol level. In turn, this medication is very useful for assisting in the reduction of risk for heart disease. It can be prescribed on its own, and often is, or sometimes with other medications. Lipitor has been shown to be rather effective at what it does, but there are some concerns with this medication, as well.

Lipitor works by blocking the production of cholesterol in the body itself. In do this is prevents not only heart disease, but also hardening of the arteries. People with certain medical conditions are advised to be certain their doctors are aware of them prior to taking Lipitor. The conditions include diabetes, thyroid problems, kidney disease and some muscle disorders. Lipitor might be prescribed anyway, but monitoring might be more aggressive. This medication is not considered safe for pregnant woman and has been connected with potential birth defects.

Lipitor has a number of potential side effects. The more serious ones, that require immediate medical attention, include flu like symptoms, muscle pain, fever and urine that is dark in color. Less serious side effects include stomach complaints, stuffy nose, rash and itching. Any side effects that are serious or troublesome should be brought to a doctor's attention.

Some medications are not safe to use while taking Lipitor. It is also advised that grapefruit juice and alcohol be avoided. Any medications, prescription or even over-the-counter, should be made known to the prescribing physician. It is possible that special monitoring tests will be required while Lipitor is being taken.

Hrt and Lipitor both come with their share of potential concerns. It is important to consider these forms of treatment carefully and under strict medical advice. While there are some potential side effects, oftentimes, the benefits of hrt and Lipitor far outweigh the risks.