HRT: Balancing Risks & Benefits
Benefits
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Risks
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The risk/benefit balance of HRT varies between women and for each woman, from year to year depending on presence or not of symptoms, other medical history, type of HRT used, and number of years that HRT has been taken.
Generally though, if you become menopausal early (before age 45) or prematurely (before age 40), the benefits of taking HRT up to at least age 50 far outweigh the risks. If you are under 60 and having menopausal symptoms, or have risk for osteoporosis, the benefits also outweigh the risks.
Transdermal HRT (taken through the skin), in licensed doses does not increase the risk of blood clot, stroke or gall bladder disease, and can be considered in the presence of heart disease and stroke, rather than tablet form. However, the increased risks with tablet form are small and tablet form of HRT still provides many benefits and can be effectively and safely used by many.
See more about HRT and heart disease.
There are no arbitrary limits as to how long HRT can be taken, it is up to each woman to balance the risks against the benefits for her. Some women may not need HRT at all, or may take it for a few years only, while others continue to take HRT for many years since it continues to provide significant benefits for them.
Every woman should be supported to make an informed choice about their use of HRT.