The Risk of Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer
Introduction
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), is a treatment used to alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and sweating1. Despite its benefits, numerous studies have led many doctors to conclude that the risks of MHT often outweigh the benefits1. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with MHT, particularly its link to breast cancer.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life when the ovaries stop working, leading to the cessation of menstrual periods1. This period is often accompanied by a decrease in the production of female hormones, estrogen, and progesterone1. The transition to menopause can lead to various symptoms, most of which are linked to lower estrogen levels1.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
MHT is a treatment that helps manage the symptoms of menopause by replacing the hormones that the woman’s body no longer makes after menopause1. It was once believed that MHT had important health benefits beyond symptom management. However, well-conducted studies have led many doctors to conclude that the risks of MHT often outweigh the benefits1.
MHT and Breast Cancer Risk
Several types of HRT have been correlated with an increased risk of breast cancer23. Research has found that women who had used HRT were more likely to develop breast cancer3. In fact, not only does combined HRT increase the risk of developing breast cancer, but it also increases the chances that the cancer will be discovered at a more advanced stage4.
Estrogen-progestogen therapies appear to be more toxic than estrogen-only therapies3. The risk is significant enough to warrant considering alternatives when deciding whether to undergo MHT5.
Conclusion
While MHT may treat the symptoms of menopause, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks associated with its use. The link between MHT and breast cancer underscores the importance of discussing these risks with your healthcare provider before deciding on any treatment plan. Remember, that although for some women the benefits of taking MHT outweigh the risks5. However, each individual’s situation is unique, and what works best for one person may not work best for another.
Common side effects
There are things you can do to cope with these common side effects of sequential combined HRT:
Headache
Breast tenderness or pain
Unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting
Feeling sick (nausea)
Mood changes
Muscle cramps
Diarrhoea
Mild rash or itchy skin
Itching or hives
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from sequential combined HRT are rare.
Call a doctor or call 111 for advice now if you have pain, redness or swelling in one of your legs, usually in your calf – this could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Speak to your doctor if you have:
a lump or changes in your breasts – especially dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple or any lumps you can see or feel – this could be a sign of breast cancer
any changes in vaginal bleeding after you have been taking HRT for more than a few months – this could be a sign of womb cancer
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