‘Even low levels of HRT have benefits’

Dr Louise Newson is a GP and menopause specialist (menopause doctor.co.uk). She has recently opened Newson Health Menopause & Wellbeing Centre.

‘The perimenopause and menopause signal a decline in oestrogen production. Hormone replacement therapy, which can be taken as a tablet, gel or patch, replaces this missing oestrogen, which your ovaries used to make.

In the past, media reports highlighting the dangers of HRT, most notably the WHI study, have raised fears. However, these studies were found to be flawed and inaccurate, and this misinterpretation has put the health of many women at risk. Your chances of developing breast cancer are, in fact, greater if you’re overweight or don’t exercise, although women with a history of breast cancer cannot take HRT. What’s more, the women involved in the investigation were given different types of HRT to those commonly prescribed now, and many women in this study were overweight and already had heart disease.

Having the right type and dose of HRT can really improve symptoms – even low levels of it have several benefits. As well as combatting immediate issues, HRT can lower your future risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis and even depression.

As with all drugs, there are potential side-effects. Some women suffer from

breast tenderness or irregular bleeding, but altering your prescribed dosage can often alleviate these. Oestrogen in tablet form (not a patch or gel) can also marginally increase your threat of developing a blood clot.

There’s no time limit on taking HRT, but your doctor should review your prescription annually to ensure the type of