Treatment of Menopause

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In the UK, Hormone Replacement Therapy (either oestrogen-only or progesterone and oestrogen combination) is used to reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, depression, mood swings and night sweats.

Recently, there has been some concern about the side-effects of HRT, due to results from an American study which showed a small increase in the risk of breast cancer and heart disease in patients taking a specific type of HRT.

Current advice from the Department of Health states that for women taking HRT on a short-term basis to relieve menopausal symptoms, HRT is a suitable treatment as the benefits outweigh the risks. However, for women taking HRT on a long-term basis, to prevent osteoporosis for example, HRT should only be prescribed if other treatments are inappropriate or have proven unsuccessful. For women who have experienced a premature menopause, HRT may be used until the age of 50, when treatment should be reviewed.

If you have been prescribed HRT and are worried about possible side-effects, please make an appointment to see your GP or call NH Direct on 0845 4647.