NHS Declares HRT Safe for Life Expectancy Despite Cancer Risks
- New NHS guidelines recommend HRT as the first-line treatment for menopausal symptoms.
- Patients must be informed of the slight risks associated with HRT, including an increased chance of breast cancer.
- Overall, HRT is considered unlikely to change life expectancy, allowing women to make informed decisions about their health.
Menopausal women are now advised regarding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to new guidelines from the NHS. According to these guidelines, HRT should be prioritized as the first treatment option for alleviating physical and mental symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flushes and insomnia. However, medical practitioners are tasked with communicating the associated risks of HRT usage, which includes a slight increase in breast cancer risk as well as potential links to dementia for older women. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) emphasizes that while HRT is unlikely to impact overall life expectancy, informed consent is crucial for women considering this treatment option. Thus, healthcare providers must ensure that women have access to comprehensive evidence to help them make an educated choice regarding their health.