Dhaka, Aug. 24 -- Hormone therapy can ease menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and sleep problems, but doctors say women should understand both its benefits and risks before deciding on treatment.

The issue was highlighted during a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expert panel review, which debated whether health warnings on some hormone medications should be changed.

Hormone therapy was once widely prescribed, but its use dropped sharply in 2002 when a large federal study linked one type to higher risks of breast cancer and blood clots. Later research, however, found that today's treatments are safer and can be a good option for many women.

"There is still a lot of confusion and a lot of fear," said Gray...