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Menopause

Early Hormone Replacement Therapy May Reduce Breast Cancer, Heart Attack, and Stroke Risk

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for at least 10 years before their final period may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer or having a heart attack or stroke, analysis suggests. Researchers accessed over 120 million patient records, comparing oestrogen therapy started during perimenopause to therapies given after menopause or not at all. The findings indicate that perimenopausal women on oestrogen therapy for at least a decade before menopause had around a 60% lower risk of developing breast cancer, having a heart attack, or having a stroke compared to the other two groups.

Key Takeaways:

  • Women who started oestrogen therapy during perimenopause had a 60% lower risk of developing breast cancer, having a heart attack, or having a stroke compared to women who started therapy after menopause or not at all.
  • Women who started the treatment after menopause had a slightly lower risk of breast cancer and a heart attack compared to those who never took the hormones, according to researchers.
  • However, these women were 4.9% more likely to have a stroke, the study found.
  • HRT can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer but the risk is small, with around five extra cases of breast cancer in every 1,000 women who take HRT for five years.
  • The study's lead author, Ify Chidi, stated that early initiation of oestrogen therapy could be a key factor in reducing morbidity and improving women's health.
  • The findings may pave the way for additional research on the risks and benefits of hormone therapy when initiated earlier in the menopause transition.

Statistics:

  • 60% lower risk of developing breast cancer, having a heart attack, or having a stroke for women who started oestrogen therapy during perimenopause.
  • 4.9% increased risk of stroke for women who started the treatment after menopause.
  • Around five extra cases of breast cancer in every 1,000 women who take HRT for five years.
  • Over 120 million patient records accessed by researchers for analysis.

Sources:

  • "White woman in her mid-50s applies an EvorelConti HRT patch to her upper leg." Photograph: 2RCYYTF
  • "Hormone replacement therapy: everything you need to know"

+ Reference: NHS website, Exact published date not provided.

  • "Perimenopause and menopause"

+ Reference: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Ify Chidi, Exact published date not provided.

  • "Hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer"

+ Reference: National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (Nice), Exact published date not provided.

  • "Oestrogen-only HRT and the timing of its use"

+ Reference: Breast Cancer Now, Dr Kotryna Temcinaite, Exact published date not provided.

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