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-Hormone Replacement Therapy -

Hormone Replacement Therapy – Should you be taking it ?

Part of the WHI Study (Women’s Health Initiative)  has recently been prematurely halted because of an increased risk of breast cancer after 4 years of use in the group taking HRT. There was also an increased risk of  heart disease and strokes in the group taking HRT. The results only apply to the group taking oestrogen and progestogen (combination HRT)  . The group on estrogen alone are continuing in the study. The increased risk does not appear to be associated with the use of estrogen alone. 

 In summary the study showed that those women that took the combination HRT had an increased risk of stokes, heart attacks, blood clots and breast cancer. This out-weighed the benefit of less bowel cancer and less hip fractures in the same group of women.

For example , for women taking combination HRT there were 8 additional cases of breast cancer per 10,000 women for each year of treatment. Using the trial results, this means that if 10,000 post-menopausal women took this combination HRT product for one year, there would be 38 cases of breast cancer diagnosed. This compares to 30 cases in a similar group of 10,000 women not taking the combination HRT.

This study did not address the short-term risks and benefits of HRT. (Eg those taking it for menopausal symptoms for short periods)

HRT can still be used for menopausal symptoms but not for more than 4 years.

Your should not use HRT if you have any of the following conditions:

 

If you have been using HRT for more than 4 years or unsure why you are using HRT  it is worth arranging an appointment to discuss your options.

 

For more detailed information about the study but in summary form - click here  -  WHI STUDY

For the complete study (PDF format) clink here HRTstudy.pdf

For information on the clinical guidelines for the use of HRT click here - GUIDELINES (note that these guidelines were written prior to this study and will be updated regarding the increased risk of heart disease and strokes - but still offers sound advice.

For more information about Menopausal Symtpoms, risk of cancer and other health issues - 

 

To make an appointment  phone 578-1665 or email us