Menopausal women taking HRT are not at greater risk of developing heart disease, scientists say
Menopausal women taking HRT are not at greater risk of developing heart disease, scientists say
South Korean researchers say the benefits of HRT typically outweigh the risksWomen on HRT were more likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetesTeam said there was no significant risk and their findings should reduce concern
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Hormone replacement therapy helps to relieve symptoms of the menopause, such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings.
Experts have debated the pro and cons of HRT for years, with some studies having warned that it may lead to heart disease.
But now a study has dismissed the fears, ruling that women taking the drugs are not more likely to develop the killer condition.
South Korean researchers say the benefits of HRT — usually given in tablets, gels and patches — typically outweigh the risks.
HRT tablets (pictured) work by replacing sex hormones that decline during the menopause and improve menopausal symptoms that 80 per cent of women suffer from
Menopause occurs when a woman stops having periods, so is no longer able to get pregnant naturally.
Researchers at the Seoul National University analysed data on 58,000 menopausal women.
Their health records were then compared to a group of 50,000 women who weren’t taking the drugs.
Results showed women on HRT were slightly more likely to develop heart disease, as well as type 2 diabetes.
But the team, whose findings were published in the journal Menopause, concluded there was no significant risk.
Writing in the paper, experts said: ‘Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms.
‘[However] menopausal women hesitate to start MHT due to concerns about adverse events.’
They added: ‘Our results may contribute to reducing the current concerns about the use of hormone therapy.’
Dr Stephanie Faubion, medical director of the North American Menopause Society, welcomed the findings.
She added: ‘These results are consistent with our current understanding of the risks and benefits of hormone therapy.
‘The benefits typically outweigh the risks for women who initiate HRT aged younger than 60 years and within 10 years of menopause onset.’
It comes days after a study this week also ruled that the drugs don’t increase the risk of dementia, dismissing another fear.