HRT

July 2001

All women taking HRT long term may now STOP it. Research has shown that it is useless at best and can even be harmful. A brochure is available at the front desk.

 IMPORTANT ADDENDA - JULY 2002

Women who have been taking HRT longterm and who have an intact uterus MUST stop taking HRT immediately. This can best be done by dose reduction for 2 months or so

 

The Brochure itself reads:

HRT – Hormone Replacement Therapy

Information Brochure

This brochure sets out to place long term HRT in a new millennia perspective in line with  known current research findings. It is appreciated that this information is in conflict with advice that has been given by the profession for just over 20 years. We have to reverse that advice and do it quickly.

HRT therapy is now no longer recommended for the great majority of women. Yes that’s correct…. You don’t have to take HRT and if you are on it you can probably stop it immediately.

 

This practice participates in a government organised program called the National Prescribing Service. That body has been invited to this practice to present the latest findings on HRT as part of a program in quality prescribing. The advices contained herein are derived from that organisation and the research articles verifying these statements are available for your perusal if you desire.

 

The facts are that HRT directly causes

	Increase incidence of heart attacks particularly in the first 6 months
	Tripled incidence of blood clotting
	Increased incidence of breast cancer long term
	Increased incidence of gallbladder disease

 

Finally, at the very best, only a bare marginal increase in bone preservation when looking for osteoporosis and no change in the incidence of bone fracture rate. Therefore stop the treatment – it is ok to reduce treatment over a few   months. Other treatment is used for proven osteoporosis.

 

Short term HRT

Before 1980 short term HRT was needed for a small proportion of women at the time of the menopause. This practice is reverting back to that immediately.

 

If you are bothered by pronounced hot flushing, headaches, irritability, depression, vaginal dryness and other symptoms then you will need HRT typically for between 6 and 12 months. A few women will have symptoms for up to 2 years.  A very few women in every practice are not able to come off the HRT.

 

Other things to try - evening primrose oil, soya products

 

Want more information?

	Australasian Menopause Society  03 9562 7555   www.menopause.org.au
	Menopause and HRT (NHMRC)  02 6289 9184     www.health.gov.au/nhmrc/public/