Hormone replacement how long

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. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only.

Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.

All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

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. Cardiovascular disease and HRT Women over 60 have a small increased risk of developing heart disease or stroke on combined oral tablet HRT. Venous thrombosis and HRT Venous thromboses are blood clots that form inside veins.

Endometrial cancer and HRT The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. Ovarian cancer and HRT The increased risk of ovarian cancer is very small and estimated to be one extra case per 10, HRT users per year.

Cholecystitis and HRT Cholecystitis is a disease in which gallstones in the gallbladder block ducts, causing infection and inflammation. HRT does not cause weight gain Weight gain at the menopause is related to age and lifestyle factors. Long-term use of HRT It is currently believed that, overall, the risks of long-term more than five years use of HRT outweigh the benefits.

HRT for breast cancer survivors 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. Phytoestrogens and 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.

Other treatments for menopausal symptoms Studies have shown that some prescription medications can reduce hot flushes and sweats. All potential risks must be taken into consideration based on thorough disclosure of your symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle. This is vital to insure the best outcome for your individual needs, and whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

At one time, it was thought that taking HRT for five years or less posed no danger, but recent findings proved that, depending on the individual, there can be problems even during this short time span. Other women may not be negatively affected at all.

Today, women using HRT are being prescribed lower doses than before. There are also different methods available besides the past standard oral prescriptions. Vigilant and regular monitoring can alert us to any issues that may arise so that you can receive immediate intervention. If you wish to avoid HRT, or are not a good candidate for it, there are several other medical and natural remedies you can try.

To book an appointment to discuss your menopausal issues and obtain information about HRT, call It can also help prevent weakening of the bones osteoporosis , which is more common after the menopause.

The benefits of HRT are generally believed to outweigh the risks. Read more about the risks of HRT. You can usually begin HRT as soon as you start experiencing menopausal symptoms and will not usually need to have any tests first. A GP can explain the different types of HRT available and help you choose one that's suitable for you.

You'll usually start with a low dose, which may be increased at a later stage. It may take a few weeks to feel the effects of treatment and there may be some side effects at first.

A GP will usually recommend trying treatment for 3 months to see if it helps. If it does not, they may suggest changing your dose, or changing the type of HRT you're taking. A GP can give you advice to help you choose which type is best for you. You may need to try more than 1 type before you find 1 that works best. Find out more about the different types of HRT.