It is advisable for women with a history of breast cancer to avoid HRT unless other treatments are ineffective, and their quality of life is made intolerable by menopausal symptoms. Evidence has not conclusively shown that HRT will increase the risk of breast cancer recurring in a woman with a history of the disease. However, oestrogen and progestogens forms of progesterone may stimulate some types of cells in the breast and some types of HRT use have been associated with an increase in the risk of breast cancer in women without a history of breast cancer.
It is not recommended that women at high risk of breast cancer , or breast cancer survivors, take highly processed soy supplements which are high in phytoestrogens , but eating moderate amounts of whole soy foods appears to be healthy.
Studies have shown that some prescription medications can reduce hot flushes and sweats. These treatments may be an option if HRT cannot be used for health or other reasons, and should be discussed with a doctor.
The herbal medicine , black cohosh, may take the edge off hot flushes and sweats, but there is no data to support long-term use.
There is also a rare liver condition that may be associated with the use of black cohosh. Commercially available vaginal moisturisers such as Replens may reduce vaginal dryness if used regularly. Consult your doctor about what will work best for you.
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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Hormonal system endocrine. Home Hormonal system endocrine. Hormone replacement therapy HRT and menopause. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. These side effects will usually settle within the first few months of treatment and may include: breakthrough bleeding breast tenderness bloating nausea.
Breast cancer and HRT Women over 50 years of age who use combined oestrogen and progestogen progesterone replacement for less than five years have little or no increased risk of breast cancer. Once you've started HRT, it's best to take it for a few months to see if it works well for you. If not, you can try a different type or increase the dose. In these circumstances, a different type of medication may be prescribed to help manage your menopausal symptoms.
Both hormones used in hormone replacement therapy HRT , oestrogen and progestogen, have side effects. Side effects usually improve over time, so it's best to try the treatment plan you have been prescribed for at least 3 months. Many women believe taking HRT will make them put on weight, but there is no evidence that this is the case. You may gain some weight during the menopause, but this often happens whether you take HRT or not.
Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can help you to maintain a healthy weight. Recent findings show that although not completely risk-free, HRT remains the most effective solution for helping with symptoms of menopause and is also effective for the prevention of osteoporosis.
It may also provide protection against heart disease. When deciding whether to have hormone replacement therapy HRT , it is also important to understand the risks. You may have heard about a link between breast cancer and HRT. If you would like to start HRT, it is a good idea to have an initial discussion with your GP or practice nurse at your local primary care practice. They can discuss the risks and benefits with you, so you can decide what is right for you.
Every woman experiences the menopause differently, so there is no way of knowing how long symptoms will last and so how long HRT will need to be taken. Diagnosis Perimenopause is a process — a gradual transition. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Lobo RA, et al. Menopause and care of the mature woman: Endocrinology, consequences of estrogen deficiency, effects of hormone therapy, and other treatment options.
In: Comprehensive Gynecology. Elsevier; Accessed March 5, Menopausal hormone therapy adult. Mayo Clinic; Bioidentical hormones. Natural Medicines. Black cohosh. Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Menopausal symptoms: In depth.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Delamater L, et al. Management of the perimenopause. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. Suss H, et al. Many medical organizations and societies agree in recommending against the use of custom-compounded hormone therapy for menopause management, particularly given concerns regarding content, purity, and safety labeling of compounded hormone therapy formulations. There is a lack of safety data supporting the use of hormone therapy in women who have had breast cancer.
Non-hormonal therapies should be the first approach in managing menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors. The Bottom Line: Hormone therapy is an acceptable option for the relatively young up to age 59 or within 10 years of menopause and healthy women who are bothered by moderate to severe menopausal symptoms.
Individualization is key in the decision to use hormone therapy. Consideration should be given to the woman's quality of life priorities as well as her personal risk factors such as age, time since menopause, and her risk of blood clots, heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer. Medical organizations devoted to the care of menopausal women agree that there is no question that hormone therapy has an important role in managing symptoms for healthy women during the menopause transition and in early menopause.
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