HRT and the menopause

HRT tops up low levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone caused by the menopause. This helps alleviate the symptoms of the menopause. Because oestrogen is important for healthy bone growth, HRT can protect a woman’s bones from osteoporosis.

The benefits of HRT include:

• relief from hot flushes
• less vaginal dryness, bladder leaks and recurrent urinary tract infections
• better sex drive
• reduced risk of bone fractures associated with osteoporosis
• reduced risk of bowel cancer

HRT slightly raises your chance of developing the following conditions:

• breast cancer
• ovarian cancer
• blood clots (embolisms)
• deep vein thrombosis
• stroke

A large number of medical studies, conducted between 2000 and 2004, looked at HRT and the major health problems faced by postmenopausal women. These studies received a lot of negative publicity. As a result of the publicity, some women have been reluctant to use HRT.

While there are risks, most experts agree that if HRT is used on a short-term basis for no more than five years, the benefits outweigh any risks.

Your GP can discuss the risks and benefits of HRT with you. However, in some circumstances, your GP will want you to see a menopause specialist before prescribing HRT. This is the case if you have had a hormone-dependant cancer, such as breast cancer or cancer of the womb, or if you have had a blood-clotting condition such as angina or a heart attack. The specialist can advise you on whether or not HRT is right for you.

Below are some of the common misconceptions about HRT, and the facts you need to make up your own mind.

'I’ve tried HRT and it didn’t work.'

There are over 50 different types of HRT. They can be taken in a number of different ways, including orally as a tablet, through the skin as patches or gels, or as a long-lasting implant. Try these different types to find one that suits you.

'If I’m on HRT, I can’t get pregnant.'

You can still get pregnant when taking HRT. It is not a contraceptive. Continue to use contraception for two years after your last period if you are under the age of 50 or for one year after the age of 50.

'If I've had a hysterectomy, I don’t need HRT.'

This is not necessarily true. The best HRT for women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the whole womb including the cervix) is oestrogen alone. Combined HRT, which contains oestrogen and progestogen, does not have any added benefit and may increase the risk of breast cancer for these women.

Women who have had a partial hysterectomy may still have some womb lining present. Because of this, combined HRT may be necessary.

'Complementary therapy is a safer alternative.'

It’s easy to assume that complementary or alternative therapies are a harmless alternative to HRT and may ease menopausal symptoms. However, there is no medical evidence that the many unlicensed complementary therapies available are effective. They can have unpleasant side effects, can interfere with other medications and can be potentially harmful.

Ask your GP or specialist for more information on whether you can take HRT and, if so, what the risks and benefits are.

Find out more about HRT.