10 years of HRT may lower risk of breast cancer

WOMEN on hormone replacement therapy for at least 10 years before the menopause may have a lower risk of breast cancer, heart attacks or strokes.

-  Storm Newton

A team of researchers say more studies are needed, but hope their findings can start a larger conversation about prevention in women's health.

HRT, which replaces lost hormones, can contain ones such as oestrogen, progestogen or both, and be given via tablets, gels, patches or sprays.

A US team analysed more than 120 million patient records to see if oestrogen therapy could do more for women than just relieving their peri-menopause symptoms.

They compared oestrogen therapy started during perimenopause with therapies given after the menopause, or no treatments.

Caution