St. Agnes Surgery

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  • Home
    • General Information
    • Meet the Team
    • Our Story
    • ______________________________
    • Accreditation
    • Child Safe Policy
    • Code of Ethics
    • Fees
    • Privacy Policy
    • New Patients and Workcover Patients
    • Acknowledgement of Country
  • News
    • Career Opportunities
    • Latest News
    • "Your Doctor"
    • Coronavirus
  • Services
    • Duty Doctor
    • GP Roster
    • General Practice
    • Covid 19 Booking Information
    • Ear Microsuction
    • Mental Health
    • Men's Health >
      • Prostate Health
    • Women's Health >
      • Breast Health
      • Menopause & HRT
      • Contraception - Implanted Contraception
      • Cervical Screening
      • Planning for Pregnancy
    • Preventative Care
    • Programs & Clinics >
      • Asthma Program
      • CardioVascular Program
      • "Closing The Gap"
      • Coordinated Veterans Care (CVC)
      • Diabetes Clinic
      • Duty Doctor
      • Iron Infusion
      • Immunisation
      • Molescan
      • Cervical Screening Clinic
      • Seniors Health Assess.
    • Screening Tests
    • Seniors Health
    • Specialist Centre
    • Useful Links
  • FAQ Sheets
    • Advanced Directives
    • Asthma
    • Atrial Fibrillation
    • BP Vertigo
    • Bowel Cancer
    • Breast Cancer
    • CVD
    • Cholesterol
    • Chronic Heart Failure
    • Chronic Kidney Disease
    • COPD
    • Diabetes
    • Depression
    • Ecomony Class Syndrome
    • Gout
    • Haemochromatosis
    • IBS
    • Meningococcal
    • Osteoperosis
    • P. Rheumatica & T. Arteritis
    • Sleep Apnoea
    • Warfarin
    • Weight & Health
  • Vaccinations
    • Australian Immunisation Schedule
    • Chickenpox
    • Gardasil - HPV
    • Covid 19
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    • Hepatitis B
    • Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
    • Hib
    • Influenza
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♀ Women's Health - HRT  (Hormone Replacement Therapy)

A large study investigating the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, where more than 16,000 patients taking oral oestrogen and progesterone were compared with 10,000 patients on placebo has been ceased because those receiving active treatment were found to have:
  • Increased risk of heart attack
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Increased risk of blood clots
  • Increased risk of  breast cancer
  • Reduced risk of colorectal cancer
  • Fewer fractures
  • No protection against mild cognitive impairment and increased risk of dementia

Other studies have shown that oestrogen alone compared with placebo resulted in:
  • No difference in the risk for heart attack
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Increased risk of blood clots
  • Increased risk of  breast cancer (newer studies)
  • No difference in risk for colorectal cancer
  • Reduced risk of fracture

It is uncertain whether taking HRT by using patches, or whether taking oral oestrogen have similar outcomes - this continues to be investigated.

It seems that the risk increases with the length of time HRT is taken.

'Evista' and 'Livial' reduce breast cancer risk but increase DVT and stroke risk.

Another study published in 2003 (WHIMS), found that there was a significant increase in the risk of developing dementia in women over 65 taking combined HRT.


Alternative Treatments
  • Natural products - These include products that contain or act like oestrogen. Examples of natural products are soy, raspberries, strawberries, soybeans, sweet potatoes, yams, black cohosh and eggplants. However, limited research has yielded conflicting results on the effectiveness and safety of natural products.
  • Alternative medications - Including some antidepressants, clonidine and gabapentin.
  • Lifestyle changes can offer some relief from hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, especially those that are mildly to moderately bad. Dress to avoid being too warm; reduce stress; avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine; get enough sleep; and be physically active

More information is available at the Australian Menopausal Society website

Women taking hormone therapy are advised to discuss their individual situation with their doctor and have regular reviews - at least 6 monthly.
This discussion should take place before ceasing treatment.


June 2008 -
recent research published in the MJA has linked a significant reduction in breast cancer in women over 50 with a corresponding reduction in HRT use, the Cancer Council advises that HRT should be used only for symptom control at the time of menopause and should be taken for as short a time as possible - the suggestion being only 1 to 2 years. HRT should not be used for the long term prevention of disease.
St. Agnes Surgery
1251 North East Road, Ridgehaven, SA  5097
P: 08 8264 3333   F: 08 8263 8590
E: mail@stagnessurgery.com.au
Tea Tree Medical Centre
975 North East Road, Modbury, SA  5092
P: 08 8264 4555   F: 08 8263 9062    
E: 
mail@stagnessurgery.com.au
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​This website contains medical information that is of a general nature only and is intended for education and information. It is not intended as personal advice.
Although every effort is made to keep this website up to date, information is subject to change and as such, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed at all times.  
The contents of this website are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without prior permission & acknowledgement of St Agnes Surgery.  © 2016 St. Agnes Surgery.
The Practice would like to acknowledge and thank Dr Milton Hart for the majority of the content and Katrina Nichols of Kauri Computing for publishing our website.