HRT
There’s a lot of fear flying around online right now, especially after recent headlines, so let’s set the record straight with facts, not fear.
Here’s what you need to know
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, hot flushes, night sweats, low mood, poor sleep, joint pain, and vaginal dryness.
Does HRT cause breast cancer?
For most women, the answer is no, it doesn’t “cause” breast cancer.
There can be a small increase in risk with combined HRT (oestrogen + progesterone), especially if used for longer than 5 years after the age of 51, this means that breast cancer risk is not thought to increase until 51 for HRT users and then continue to be low risk for 5 years.
Oestrogen-only HRT (used if you’ve had a hysterectomy) does not increase risk and may even slightly lower it.
When you stop HRT, any small extra risk goes down again over time.
Remember:
The absolute risk is small (around 5 extra cases per 1,000 women taking combined HRT for 5 years).
Your personal risk depends on family history, weight, alcohol intake, and other factors not just HRT.
The benefits of HRT, better sleep, mood, energy, bone and heart health can be life-changing.
It’s about balance, not blanket fear.
Every woman’s situation is different, and HRT should always be discussed and tailored individually.
If you’re unsure or concerned by what you’ve read, please talk to a menopause specialist rather than relying on social media headlines.