HRT and Menopause

For more than ten years there has been concern and confusion over the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during the menopause.

The findings of the original research were misleading as the study involved:

• North American women in their mid-60s, many of them overweight. Today's candidates are 45 to 55 year olds.
• New HRT formulations have replaced the version derived from horse urine used in the early days. 

The NHS has reviewed all available evidence and its 2016 guidelines recommend HRT to treat menopausal symptoms. It may also help maintain sex drive and alleviate vaginal dryness. The guidelines recommend taking for as long as needed in the lowest possible dose.

When prescribed around the menopause, the benefits far outweigh the risks for the vast majority of women, although there is a small risk that some women may develop breast cancer (9 in 100 breast cancers are linked to obesity, and 6 in 100 to alcohol and just 3 women in 100 thought to be due to HRT). The risk with HRT drops off as soon as you stop taking it.

Source: Feature in Good Housekeeping, July 2017