Hormone replacement therapy

Autor: Ailsa Gebbie
Rok vydání: 2007
Předmět:
Zdroj: Medicine. 35:529-532
ISSN: 1357-3039
DOI: 10.1016/j.mpmed.2007.07.002
Popis: Over the last five years, the popularity of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has declined as recent data have added to our knowledge of the risk–benefit balance of prescribing hormones in the postmenopausal period. Many women now opt not to take HRT and healthcare professionals have been confused by the changing evidence base. HRT is still a highly effective treatment for menopausal symptoms and should not be withheld in women where quality of life and well-being are very adversely affected. Almost all the recent data show a small increased risk of breast cancer associated with HRT use, which rises with increasing duration of use. Combined HRT has more effect on risk of breast cancer than oestrogen alone. Recent data suggest HRT may be associated with a slight increase in risk of ovarian cancer but that HRT protects against colorectal cancer. It has been known for many years that HRT increases risk of venous thromboembolism, but the transdermal route may reduce this risk and choice of progestogen may be a significant factor. The debate on the effect of HRT on cardiovascular disease continues. There may be a ‘window of opportunity’ in menopausal women under the age of 60 years to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease with HRT. It should be prescribed with caution to women with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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