Benefits and risks of taking HRT

These are some recommended articles for you, they discuss the benefits and risks of taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which is given to help relieve the symptoms of perimenopause or menopause.

The risks and benefits of taking HRT vary need to be discussed in an individual basis. For example, advice is different when we consider someone who has gone through menopause under the age of 40, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI); or for someone who has experienced menopause and is still within 10 years of their last natural menstrual period, or under the age of 60; or for someone who wishes to start taking HRT over the age of 60, more than 10 years after the last natural menstrual period.

There are some contraindications to taking HRT, but it is important to consider these on an individual basis, taking into account quality of life and shared decision making discussing the evidence we currently have and do not have about HRT.

These links should be used to support a conversation about benefit and risk to you as an individual, which may change as you age, you develop other medical conditions or your family history changes, for example.

The safety of HRT largely depends on age. Healthy women younger than 60 years should not be concerned about the safety profile of HRT. For most women, the potential benefits of HRT given for a clear indication are many, and the risks are few when initiated within a few years of menopause. HRT is very effective in helping to control of menopausal symptoms and for maintenance of BMD (bone mineral density) and to reduce risk of osteoporotic fractures.

NICE guidance infographic

Link to graphs to help with visualisation of risk and benefit of taking HRT

Risk of breast cancer taking HRT in comparison to lifestyle risk factors

British Menopause Society infographic

Menopause Matters

Benefits of taking HRT

Risks of taking HRT

Menopause Research and Education fund

https://mref.uk/mref-fact-sheet-3-hrt-risks-and-benifits/HRT the risks and benefits

Bleeding on HRT

Womens health concern fact sheet – Unscheduled bleeding on HRT

We will discuss with you at your appointment any questions you have about individual risk and benefit to taking HRT.

Breast cancer risk factors

Womens Health concern fact sheets about risks of breast cancer

Taking HRT if you have a family history of breast cancer

Health in menopause article

Taking HRT after a diagnosis of breast cancer

This is an individual discussion for each person.

Localised vaginal oestrogen can be taken after a diagnosis of breast cancer alongside non hormonal moisturisers and lubricants, to help with the vulval, vaginal and bladder symptoms (Genitourinary syndrome of the menopause), please can an appointment with us so we can discuss this with you.

NICE guidance about Genitourinary syndrome of the menopause GSM and it’s management

Dr Carys Sonnenberg Rowena Health December 2024

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