- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been used widely since the 1960s as a treatment for menopause symptoms.
- In the past, some studies have highlighted some potential risks for HRT, including increased risks for breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.
- In a new report, researchers say that HRT is beneficial and safe for most women.
- Experts say women should examine the risk and benefits as well as consider their personal health issues when deciding whether to undergo HRT.
A research review published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a first-line treatment for menopausal women who don’t have risk factors.
Symptoms of menopause can begin 10 years before the onset of menopause and can last more than 10 years. The symptoms can reduce the quality of life for many women.
“Although many treatments exist for menopausal symptoms, fears around the risks of menopausal hormone therapy and lack of knowledge regarding treatment options often impede patients from receiving treatment,” the authors wrote.
“Despite early concerns of an increased risk of cardiovascular events with menopausal hormone therapy after the Women’s Health Initiative trial, increasing evidence shows a possible reduction in coronary artery disease with menopausal hormone therapy among younger menopausal patients, specifically those who start menopausal hormone therapy before age 60 years or within ten years of menopause,” the authors added.
Dr. Samantha Dunham, the co-director of the Center for Midlife Health & Menopause in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at NYU Langone Health in New York, points out there has been a change in terminology.
“For the sake of clarity, the term ‘hormone replacement therapy’ (HRT) is now known as ‘menopausal hormone therapy”‘ when hormone therapy is given to patients in menopause,” she told Medical News Today. “We still use the term ‘hormone replacement therapy’ for patients who…
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