Hormone Replacement Therapy(HRT) triples the risk of breast cancer – British journal of cancer says

What is HRT?
In the midst of the menopause the body levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone begin to fall which can provoke various uncomfortable signs. HRT replaces those hormones.

Why HRT?
Different studies have demonstrated that HRT prevents hot flushes., enhances rest, lessens aches and pains, enhances state of mind and mitigates depressive symptoms, decreases the danger of osteoporosis, brings down cholesterol and lessens the danger of cardiovascular sickness and colon-rectal growth.

HRT-Cancer

Cancer growth is known to be stimulated by hormones so increasing levels could boost tumour growth. Some cancer drugs now work by targeting receptors on cancer cells to prevent hormones getting inside.
Around one in ten ladies use HRT in their 50s to regard menopause manifestations, for example, hot flushes, headaches, upset rest, state of mind changes and sorrow by supplanting lost hormones.
The combination of oestrogen and progesterone is called cobined HRT. Oestrogens and progestins are female hormones. They are produced by the body and are necessary for the normal sexual development of the female and for the regulation of the menstrual cycle during the childbearing years.

The ovaries begin to produce less estrogen after menopause (the change of life). estrogen and progestin combination (ovarian hormone therapy) is prescribed to make up for the lower amount of estrogen. Estrogens help relieve signs of menopause, such as hot flashes and unusual sweating, chills, faintness, or dizziness. Progestins help to regulate the effects of estrogens.
Estrogens are prescribed for several reasons:

To provide additional hormone when the body does not produce enough of its own, such as during menopause. They can also help to relieve a genital skin condition called vaginal or vulvar atrophy.
To help prevent weakening of bones (osteoporosis) in women past menopause.

But the Studies in british journal of cancer found that taking oestrogen plus progestogen HRT were 2.7 times more likely to develop the disease and those who had been using the combined HRT for 15 or more years had a 3.27 times increased risk.Earlier research linked HRT to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, strokes and heart attack.But the authors of the Breast Cancer Now Generations Study say the earlier research may have under-estimated the risk by up to 60 per cent.
It found current use of combined HRT increases the risk of breast cancer by up to threefold, depending on how long it has been used.
So the question now raises whether to use HRT or not?
To use HRT is an entirely personal choice, which is why it’s so important women understand the risks and benefits and discuss them with their General practitioner.

“On balance, some women will feel HRT to be a necessity.

“But in order to minimise the risk of breast cancer, it is recommended the lowest effective dose is used for the shortest possible time.”

Read more: BJC