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:
Other studies have shown that oestrogen alone compared with placebo resulted in:
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
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.
- 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.
