Women should fully understand the pros and cons of HRT before taking treatment, say health experts
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) pills can lead to an increased risk of blood clots and possibly stroke, a new study suggests.
HRT is widely used for controlling menopausal symptoms. It is also used for prevention of cardiovascular disease in post menopausal women. The study, conducted by the international Cochrane group, however, says HRT does not protect post-menopausal women against cardiovascular disease and, in fact, may cause increased risk of stroke. The researchers looked at trials involving 40,000 women over a period of six months.
Cochrane is a global independent network, comprising researchers, professionals, patients and people interested in health. Cochrane researchers said the study was not the last word on the subject. More investigation is needed to arrive at a conclusion, they added.
Study author Henry Boardman from the department of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Oxford said the harms and benefits of hormone therapy varied according to the ages of the women when they started their treatments.
Boardman added, “The findings of this Cochrane Review need to be carefully considered. This is a complicated health issue, where the same treatment offers benefits in some women, but harms in others.”
According to a BBC report, HRT has both pros and cons. Its uses have been linked to breast and ovarian cancer as well as blood clots.
But HRT has its benefits, too. It can provide relief to women developing menopausal symptoms like hot flushes.
The BBC quoted Maureen Talbot of the British Heart Foundation as saying, “This study supports what we already know and indicates a possible increased risk of stroke or formation of a blood clot in some women.”
“It is important that women have a full understanding of the risks and benefits of HRT and should talk this through with their GP,” Talbot added.
Taking HRT, even for just a few years, is associated with a significantly increased risk of developing the two most common types of ovarian cancer, a group led by Oxford University researchers says.
One million women in the UK are on some form of hormone replacement therapy—be it pills, patches or gels, the BBC says.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.