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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 23 No. 5 2000
Long-term hormone replacement therapy
Hormone replacement therapy can relieve the symptoms of the menopause. It may also help prevent heart disease and thinning of the bones, but its long-term effects are unknown. Researchers are trying to find out what happens to women who take hormone replacement for many years. Until this research is finished, the decision to take hormone replacement therapy is a balance of the risks and benefits.
| Possible risks | Possible benefits |
|
Small increase in breast cancer (Two extra cancers per 1000 women)
Cancer of the womb More blood clots |
Less risk of dying of breast cancer (The cancers are often small when they are found)
Less bowel cancer Less heart disease Less thinning of the bones |
