Doctors should not be shy of discussing the use of hormone therapy with post-menopausal women, according to a new analysis.
HRT has fallen out of favour after major studies identified a range of side-effects including increased cancer risk.
It had been promoted as a way of improving the general health of older women – but the studies cast doubt on these claims.
Now experts say that the treatment can still be a good way of helping women suffering from the symptoms of menopause.
The review is published today in The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist.
Experts say menopausal symptoms can be debilitating – and may continue for years in about 10% of women.
Shagaf Bakour, a consultant at City Hospital, Birmingham, UK, says studies of HRT have not examined the benefits for younger women with post-menopausal symptoms – and that these women should be encouraged to take HRT until the age of 51.
Shagaf Bakour said: “Women are sometimes concerned about the increased risk of breast cancer related to HRT. However, this risk is much lower than that associated with other factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption and later maternal age.
“HRT is the most effective treatment for symptoms of the menopause and when HRT is individually tailored, women gain maximum advantages and the risks are minimised.
“There are various types and regimens of HRT and healthcare professionals will be able to advise on the suitability of HRT to any woman.”
Journal editor Jason Waugh said the decision whether to use the treatment would be an “individual” one for women.
He added it was a decision “a woman can only make once she has been given correct information and advice from healthcare professionals.
“If women have any concerns about menopausal symptoms or HRT, they should talk to their doctor who will be happy to discuss treatment options further.”
S H Bakour, J Williamson. Latest evidence on using hormone replacement therapy in the menopause. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 19 December 2014 [abstract]
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