Taking HRT ‘cuts risk of dying young by 9% in menopausal women’
TAKING HRT cuts the risk of menopausal women dying young by nine per cent, a study found.
Women were tracked for up to 32 years as they used hormone replacement therapy to see the effect it had on their bodies.
More than 105,000 were followed, with researchers concluding they had a lower risk of dying early.
About one in seven menopausal women in England are thought to be using the medication.
It is used to ease symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats and depression.
The study, commissioned by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), is the first to look at the impact of HRT on overall life expectancy using UK primary care data.
It used data on type 2 diabetes, hypertension and its treatments, coronary heart disease and oophorectomy/hysterectomy status, as well as body mass index, smoking and deprivation status – the first of its kind to do so.
The research also found it could even give health benefits like strengthening bones and reducing the risk of breaks.
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This can often be a factor in older people’s deaths, as broken bones can lead to infections, complications and hospital stays.
Nick Steel, Clinical Professor in Public Health, Norwich Medical School, provided independent oversight of the research and said: “It’s exciting that this new research found that combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use was linked to an overall lower risk of death, and that oestrogen-only HRT was not linked to an increased risk of death.
“HRT use has been controversial for many years, as it offers symptomatic relief to many women but there have been conflicting reports about the long-term risk of breast cancer, as well as possible benefits to cardiovascular health.
“UK primary care data has now enabled long term follow-up of thousands of women in the UK, comparing the overall risk of death over many years for those using HRT with those not using it.”
What is the menopause and what age does it usually start?
Menopause is a natural part of ageing, which usually happens when a woman is between the age of 45 and 55.
In the UK, the average age for a woman to go through menopause is 51.
It occurs when oestrogen levels in the body start to decline.
During this time periods become less frequent or they can suddenly stop, and after menopause occurs women will be unable to become pregnant naturally.
Around one in 100 women experience menopause before the age of 40, and this is known as premature ovarian insufficiency or premature menopause.
Many celebrities have spoken out about their own experiences, including Lisa Snowdon, Davina McCall, Michelle Heaton and Zoe Hardman.
What are the symptoms?
Menopausal symptoms can start months or years before your periods stop, and can last until four years or longer after your last period.
Symptoms include:
- Hot flushes
- Changing or irregular periods
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Anxiety and loss of confidence
- Low mood, irritability and depression
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
- Reduced libido (sex drive)
- Problems with concentration or memory
- Weight gain
- Bladder control
The research comes as Labour MP Carolyn Harris is introducing a private member’s bill to change legislation so that women in England would not have to pay for HRT.
The bill is due to receive its second reading this Friday.
The Sun has launched the Fabulous Menopause Matters campaign which backs up this bill, to empower women to demand the healthy menopause they deserve.
Unlike other hormone treatments like the Pill, women have to pay £9.35 for every NHS prescription they need, leaving many unable to afford it.
Louise Pryor, IFoA President, said: “This study supports the emerging consensus that, for most women, the benefits of HRT outweighs the harm.
“We hope this research will help to inform the debate as the private member’s bill is considered in Parliament and also, support women deciding whether to start or continue with HRT.”
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