There has been a lot of information in the media about HRT.  All about how HRT increases breast cancer more than what we previously thought.

It's great to see that there is more awareness re Menopause and HRT and people are talking more openly about it so here's my story.

I have been following this as I was placed on HRT at 40 because I had cervical cancer and due to my treatment my periods stopped. Earlier in the year the HRT I was on I could not source due to manufacturing problems so I was given a new product. OMG the side effects were not good. I was getting cramps, feeling anxious, crying and bleeding intermittently. I returned to the Drs and have made the decision after 10 years to come off HRT. At the moment I am having hot and cold sweats throughout the day and night and mood swings but overall not feeling too bad. I will see how I go.

I am no expert in HRT/Menopause and reading up as much as I can.  You have got to do what’s right for you as everyone’s experience of the menopause is different.  Some women sail through the menopause while others struggle. I know leading a healthy lifestyle helps, ie foods you eat, exercise, reducing stress etc. 

 Below is a post from Dr Louise Newson known as the Menopause Doctor on the subject. 

Dr Louise Newson 

An article has just been published in The Lancet medical journal which is reported in the media today. 
This is an epidemiological study looking at numerous studies which have been done in the past. They are reporting that women who are over 50 taking HRT may have a higher risk of breast cancer than previously thought.

However, there is no need to panic and I am certainly not going to stop taking my HRT. This is not a randomised controlled study which is the gold standard study to demonstrate cause and effect. 

HRT containing estrogen with older types of progestogen have a higher risk compared to taking estrogen only HRT or estrogen with micronised progesterone (body identical HRT). This report does not discuss micronised progesterone. 

So many menopausal women have put on weight due to the metabolic changes that occur during the perimenopause and menopause and also due to eating the wrong types of food (often women “comfort” eat to try and improve how they feel). Many women stop exercising as their motivation is low, their energy levels reduce and their joints are stiff and sore. Also women often tell me they drink more alcohol to “numb” their symptoms. Obesity, not exercising and drinking alcohol are all risk factors for developing breast cancer in the future. 

This means that women who take HRT actually can lower their future risk of breast cancer by modifying their lifestyle even if the actual HRT might increase their risk slightly. 

In addition, studies have shown that women who take HRT have a lower future risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, depression, bowel cancer and dementia. 

It is essential that women receive individualised consultations regarding taking HRT and they are given all the facts regarding the benefits and risks. 

Women are seven times more likely to die from heart disease than breast cancer so taking a treatment (HRT) that lowers heart disease risk is often very important for many women.

You can follow Dr Newson on Instagram @menopause_doctor for more info and podcasts..

Hope the above helps. x