BMS/RCOG response to the findings that the effect of combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in increasing a woman’s risk of breast cancer is likely to have been underestimated by a number of previous studies.
The effect of combined HRT in increasing a woman’s risk of breast cancer is likely to have been underestimated by a number of previous studies, according to a new prospective study published in the British Journal of Cancer.
The role of HRT in improving cognitive abilities such as verbal memory continues to be debated, with lack of clarity around the role of menopausal estroegn lack, and hence the role of hormone replacement, along with the role of simply ageing.
Many women and healthcare professionals continue to be concerned about the association of HRT use and breast cancer.
The findings of a new survey conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the BMS were revealed at our annual conference today and have generated significant interest in the press.
Findings presented at our annual conference today show only half of women surveyed in Great Britain (who are currently experiencing or who have experienced menopausal symptoms within the past ten years) consult a healthcare professional for any of their menopause symptoms.
While the recently published NICE guideline on diagnosis and management of the menopause stated that HRT does not increase the risk of heart disease when started in women aged under 60, it did not recommend the use of HRT to prevent heart disease since the evidence was not conclusive enough.
A study from Finland reported an increase in mortality rate from cardiac death or stroke compared both to the baseline population and to women who continued taking HRT.
A 15 year follow up study from Finland has confirmed previous knowledge that that women who stop HRT experience loss of bone mineral density and increased risk of wrist fracture.
Acupuncture has often be used as a treatment for hot flushes but effectiveness is unclear. A group in Australia studied the effect of acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture in a randomised trial.
