A new paper published in the BMJ that followed a thousand women over ten years finds that HRT is not associated with increased risk of cancer, and that HRT cuts the risk of heart problems. It was found that HRT had significantly reduced risk of mortality, heart failure, or heart attack, without any apparent increase of cancer, deep vein thrombosis or stroke. These are however relatively early findings and more time will be required before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.
This is good news for many women who have previously been concerned by results from old studies using old formulations of HRT.
The women in the study were aged between 45-58 years old and recently menopausal. The women on HRT commenced treatment soon after menopausal symptoms began. The study also found that that after stopping the therapy, the women continued to see health benefits for six years. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine states: “this is a very significant piece of research and should reassure the millions of women who turn to hormone therapy for relief of their menopausal symptoms”.
One of the UKs leading women's health experts, Professor John Studd says:
"Many GPs still refuse to prescribe HRT because of outdated advisory statements and conflicting opinion. Patients can insist, but still may not receive HRT. Their options are to either find another GP or alternatively go to a consultant gynaecologist".
Prof Studd goes on to say that he appreciates that finding a new GP is often hard and a gynaecologist in private practice may be expensive.
"In my opinion there should be a menopause clinic in every hospital.”
Read Prof Studd's Expert Article on HRT benefits
The time of a woman’s life when her ovaries stop releasing an egg (ovum) on a monthly cycle, and her periods cease
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