Question

Your client is menopausal and has been given a prescription for estrogen. She asks you what some of the risks in taking the medication are. Your best response is:

a) Estrogen decreases the risk of dementia, myocardial infarctions, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clot.
b) As long as estrogen and progesterone are taken together, there are no increased health risks.
c) Estrogen has not been proven to increase any medical conditions.
d) Estrogen increases the risk of certain cancers, myocardial infarctions, and blood clots.

Answer 1

The best response to the risks associated with taking estrogen for menopausal symptoms is that it increases the risk of certain cancers, myocardial infarctions, and blood clots, although some studies show benefits, and ongoing research continues.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response to your client who is menopausal and has been prescribed estrogen is d) Estrogen increases the risk of certain cancers, myocardial infarctions, and blood clots. While hormone therapy (HT) can alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause and may provide protection from conditions like osteoporosis, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves several risks. The negative side effects of HRT include an increased risk of stroke or heart attack, blood clots, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, gall bladder disease, and possibly dementia. However, studies have also shown potential cardiovascular benefits and no increased risk for cancer with estrogen, but some believe the results may be skewed by the age of the participants. Ongoing debate and study continue as the medical community seeks to understand the full benefits and risks associated with HT.