The risk of kidney stones is significantly increased in women who take female sex hormones as hormone replacement therapy for menopause, scientists warn. This conclusion was reached by medical experts from the University of Texas based on studies of 24,000 postmenopausal women over a period of more than 5 years. In the analysis, the team found that women taking estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progestin were 21% more likely to develop kidney stones. The risk of developing kidney stones in postmenopausal women who do not undergo hormone replacement therapy is estimated to be 6%. Material for the study was published in the latest issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. The kidneys remove waste products from the blood and translate them into urine, through which they are excreted from the body. It is possible that some of these substances form crystals in the kidneys, which, when grouped together, form stones. The stones gradually enlarge, which, in addition to causing pain to the affected person, leads to blockage of the excretory system, infections and kidney damage. Stones are removed surgically, through laser or non-invasive ultrasound therapy. Hormone replacement therapy can also be the cause of heart arrhythmia and breast cancer, experts remind, which is why they recommend that it be performed only in case of intolerance of menopause symptoms and in minimal doses. doses over a short period of time. Menopausal women experience hot flashes, unexplained sudden mood swings, depression, rapid weight gain.