Menopause HRT warning for over-60s

THE menopause can affect women’s lives into their 80s if they stop taking hormone replacement therapy, a study claims.

And symptoms can be triggered by drinking too much coffee, scientists warned.

The North American Menopause Society gathered data from nearly 5000 women. Of those who were over 60, more than four in 10 reported hot flushes and night sweats.

A significant proportion reported having them well into their 60s, 70s and 80s.

Those reporting use of hormone therapy were less likely to have the symptoms. A GIRL who captured the hearts of Scots with her fight for life has died – just weeks before her 18th birthday.

Brave Vanessa Riddle had been battling a severe form of cancer, neuroblastoma, for almost a decade.

But yesterday morning, with her dad Chris, mum Connie and sister Olivia by her side, she finally lost her fight for life.

Six years ago, the Record highlighted the family’s campaign to raise money to send Vanessa to America for life-saving treatment after she was given just a 10 per cent chance of survival.

Vanessa – from Loans, near Troon in Ayrshire – was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2009.

After extensive treatment, she was given the all-clear in August 2010 but the cancer returned and by Christmas 2011, doctors said she had little chance of survival.

Chris and Connie refused to give up hope and set about trying to raise £500,000 in three months to pay for treatment abroad.

After Vanessa’s story was made by VIVIENNE AITKEN v.aitken@dailyrecord.co.uk public, cash began to flood in. The total was reached in less than seven weeks and the fund went on to raise almost £900,000.

Vanessa managed to unite Celtic and Rangers fans. Both clubs held fundraising events, with fans and players digging deep to help.

One Direction, Alan Sugar and Katy Perry tweeted messages of love and support and The Wanted, stars of Strictly and Snow Patrol donated to her appeal.

As the family were preparing for the trip to the US, they discovered a treatment available in Germany and Connie donated stem cells in a German hospital.

Because Vanessa’s immune system was so low, she couldn’t return to Scotland on a normal flight so travelled on a private jet from Stuttgart to Prestwick and was chauffeured home in a top-of-the-range Bentley after private charter companies and car firms made donations.

In January 2013, the family found out that Vanessa’s cancer was in remission and she was able to return to her school, Marr College.

But a few years later, the neuroblastoma returned. It was thought the aggressive element of the disease had been killed off in Germany but she still had a slower, growing element and began medical trials at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

However, the cancer travelled from her back to her legs and into her brain. Weeks ago, the family found out her condition was terminal.

Vanessa had been looking forward to her school prom on June 18 – three days before her 18th birthday.

But, announcing her death yesterday on his Facebook page, Chris posted: “It’s with immense sadness that I write this post. This morning, our beautiful daughter Vanessa passed away peacefully at home with Connie, Olivia and I.

“Vanessa has been such a huge inspiration to many and will continue to live on in our hearts forever.”