鈥淭he earlier a woman starts using HRT, the safer and more beneficial it is鈥� (Image: STEVE HORRELL/SPL)
Few treatments have been the subject of such confusing and conflicting findings as hormone replacement therapy, which surged in popularity in the West in the 1980s and 90s.
Back then, enthusiasts suggested that, as well as relieving menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, its benefits extended to protecting the heart and bones, and boosting libido.
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That all changed when, in 2002, the Women鈥檚 91色情片 Initiative, , showed that the treatment was not protective and might actually raise the risk of heart disease and breast cancer. The number of women using it dropped dramatically as a result (see graph). Around 6 million women take HRT in the UK and US at present.
In recent months, HRT has again made the news. A review, published in March, had no protective effect on the heart, and found it increased the risk of stroke in post-menopausal women.
It also , even if taken for just a few years, as is now the most common approach. For every 1000 women taking HRT for five years from around age 50, there would be one extra case of ovarian cancer.
鈥淗RT is important and very effective against menopausal symptoms for many women,鈥� says at the University of Aberdeen, UK. 鈥淗owever, the current advice is to use the smallest dose possible for the minimum period of time鈥� 鈥� usually no more than two to four years.
, an obstetrician at Sydney Medical School and president of the International Menopause Society, says women who have had breast cancer should not take HRT, and those with heart disease should be treated 鈥渨ith great caution鈥�. Timing is important, too 鈥� the earlier a woman starts using it, the safer and more beneficial it is, Baber says.
鈥淭he earlier a woman starts using HRT, the safer and more beneficial it is鈥�
鈥淲omen should not start HRT over the age of 60 without consulting their doctor 鈥� but that is very different from a woman who started early and finds she needs to continue beyond 60, which is quite OK,鈥� he says.
Read more: 鈥�Our daily pills: What everyday drugs are really doing to you鈥�
This article appeared in print under the headline 鈥淗RT鈥�
