Disadvantages of hrt

The benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) usually outweigh the risks. Recent evidence says that the risks of serious side effects from HRT are very low.

Older studies found potential risks of HRT, and made many people reluctant to take or prescribe it.

But this view is now seen as out of date because it does not take account of the benefits as well as the risks.

The benefits and risks of taking HRT depend on your age, your menopause symptoms and any risk factors you have.

If you're under 60 years old, have menopause symptoms, and are not at high risk of breast cancer or blood clots, the benefits of HRT are likely to outweigh the risks.

Talk to a GP, who will help you decide.

Read more about when to take HRT and how long to take it for

Benefits of HRT

Relieving menopause symptoms

The main benefit of HRT is that it's effective at relieving most perimenopause and menopause symptoms, such as:

• hot flushes
• night sweats
• sleep problems caused by menopause
• anxiety and low mood caused by menopause
• vaginal dry
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