Is HRT safe? There has been a lot of media attention about the safety of HRT in the recent years. This has resulted in a great deal of worry amongst women considering HRT, or already taking it. HRT does have risks but most experts agree that: If you are suffering from menopausal symptoms and are in your 50s, taking HRT is a reasonable thing to do, especially if you take it for up to five years. The risks are small and serious side effects are rare. HRT is very effective in relieving your menopausal symptoms and also offers other health benefits such as reducing the risk of osteoporosis.* You can ask your GP or your Gynaecologist to help you understand the risks and benefits and to discuss whether HRT is right for you.
What is menopause? When ovaries stop producing eggs, they also stop producing hormones. The average age of menopause is around 51. Women go through menopause a few years earlier or few years later than this.
What are the symptoms of menopause? • • • • • • • • • •
Hot flushes Night sweats Mood disturbance Vaginal dryness Loss of sex drive (libido) Constant tiredness Headaches Sleep disturbance Anxiety Depression
What is HRT? Hormone Replacement Therapy is replacing the female hormones that your body lacks. It usually consists of the combination of two hormones, estrogen and progesterone. If you have had a hysterectomy, you will only need one hormone (estrogen). HRT is available in many forms, including tablets, skin patches and gels. Your doctor will help you choose the most suitable form.
Do I need HRT? Many women will have an “easy” menopause with mild symptoms and won’t need HRT. If menopause symptoms are affecting the quality of your life and you are suffering because of them, please talk to your doctor. There are many treatments available. HRT is only one of them but probably the most effective one.
What are the benefits of HRT? HRT can make a big difference to the quality of life: • It usually treats all menopausal symptoms very effectively • It reduces the risk of bone fracture (especially hip fracture) and osteoporosis • It also reduces the risk of bowel cancer.*
What are the risks of HRT? One of the most well-known risks is an increased risk of breast cancer: • Of 1000 women in their 50s, not taking HRT, approximately ten will develop breast cancer over the period of five years. •
Of 1000 women in their 50s taking oestrogen only HRT, approximately twelve will develop breast cancer over the period of five years.
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Of 1000 women in their 50s taking oestrogen and progesterone HRT, approximately sixteen will develop breast cancer over the period of five years.*
This is a small risk and once you stop taking HRT the risks return to the level they were before taking HRT. Other risks include developing clots in the lungs and legs, stroke and cancer of the ovaries. As with the risk of breast cancer, these risks are small and your GP will discuss all risks with you.
For more information, visit www.gynaecology.me or www.patient.co.uk and search for menopause or go to the website of British menopause society, www.thebms.org.uk *Stats and data sourced from www.patient.co.uk/health/ Menopause-and-HRT.htm
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