There is a lot of misinformation about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While there are some risks, many women find it dramatically eases their menopause symptoms.
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
There can be drawbacks, though. HRT slightly raises your chance of developing the following conditions:
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 now agree that if HRT is used on a short-term basis for no more than five years, the benefits outweigh any risks.
How to get started on HRT
If you're interested in taking HRT, discuss the risks and benefits with your GP. 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.
Common HRT myths
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 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. So, 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 if you 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 your risk of breast cancer.
If you have had a partial hysterectomy, you may still have some womb lining present. Because of this, you should take combined HRT.
Read more about hysterectomy.
'Complementary therapy is a safer alternative.'
Some herbal remedies such as soya and red clover contain natural oestrogens but HRT is largely derived from these phyto-oestrogens too.
There's no firm medical evidence that the many complementary therapies available for the menopause 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 herbs for HRT and, if so, what the risks and benefits are.
Find out more about HRT.
