Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and how is it used?

Hormone replacement therapy is now used mainly as a short-term treatment for women up to the age of 60 who have an increased risk of fractures and also have troublesome menopausal symptoms (HRT is very effective in relieving these symptoms).

Side-effects and risks

Side-effects include a small increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, DVT (deep vein thrombosis), heart attacks, strokes and memory impairment. The risk is greater in women over 60.

HRT does however reduce the risk of hip fracture and of colon cancer.