HORMONE REPLACEMENT TRIAL - OUTCOMES
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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 developed more breast cancer, heart attack, stroke and pulmonary emboli (clots moving to the lungs). However, the treated group did have the benefits of developing less bowel cancer and hip fractures. The study concluded that the risks of treatment were greater than its benefits.

Other studies have shown that oestrogen alone probably has similar but less frequent adverse outcomes.

The risks must be kept in perspective - the following table shows the number of times the various problems arise each year if 10,000 patients receive the respective treatments :

It is uncertain whether taking HRT by using patches, or whether taking oestrogen alone will 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.

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.

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