When deciding whether to have hormone replacement therapy (HRT), it is important to understand the risks and put them into perspective.
Many medical studies on HRT have been published over the past 10 years which have received a great deal of negative publicity. As a result, many women have been reluctant to use HRT.
Although these studies were not necessarily misreported in the media, it could be argued that the data within the studies was misleading.
For example, if you read an article that says using combined HRT for five years increases your risk of developing breast cancer by 60%, you may be alarmed.
While this is statistically true, the average risk of developing breast cancer without other contributory risk factors (your annual baseline risk) is very small, just 1%. So using HRT for five years would only increase the average risk from 1% to 1.6%.
Breast cancer
Cancer Research UK summarises the breast cancer risk associated with HRT as follows:
- research has shown that taking HRT does increase breast cancer risk
- combined HRT increases breast cancer risk more than the oestrogen-only HRT
- women taking combined HRT have double the breast cancer risk of women who do not take HRT
- the longer you take HRT, the more your breast cancer risk increases
However:
- your risk appears to return to normal within five years of stopping taking HRT
Read more about HRT and breast cancer risk on the Cancer Research UK website.
Due to the associated risk of breast cancer, it is important you attend all your breast screening appointments if you are taking HRT.
Ovarian cancer
Cancer Research UK summarises the ovarian cancer risk associated with HRT as follows:
- research has shown that taking HRT slightly increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer
- the longer HRT is taken, the more the risk increases
However:
- when HRT is stopped, risk returns to normal over the course of a few years
Read more about HRT and ovarian cancer risk on the Cancer Research UK website.
Endometrial cancer
If you take progestogen as directed, there is no increased risk of developing endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb).
It is very important you take progestogen as directed because only taking oestrogen will significantly increase your risk of developing endometrial cancer .
Stroke and heart attacks
Preliminary results of a recent American study have suggested a small increased risk of heart disease and stroke for women taking HRT.
However, British researchers, currently carrying out a 10 year long study, say at present evidence is inconclusive.
It is hoped initial results of the UK trial will be available during 2012. In the meantime, speak to your GP if you are taking HRT and are worried about the risk of stroke or heart disease.
