Dear MIRIAM: CAN I KEEP MY HRT?Byline: Dr MIRIAM STOPPARD Dear Miriam I AM 79 and have been taking HRT HRT abbr. hormone replacement therapy Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Also called estrogen replacement therapy, this controversial treatment is used to relieve the discomforts of menopause. for about 20 years. I'm amazed a·maze v. a·mazed, a·maz·ing, a·maz·es v.tr. 1. To affect with great wonder; astonish. See Synonyms at surprise. 2. Obsolete To bewilder; perplex. v.intr. at what it's done for me. My doctor is keen for me to give it up so, at the moment, I take it on alternate nights as I don't want to give up cold turkey. Can I continue to take HRT? YOUR doctor's only being diligent. A government guideline states women with severe symptoms should have HRT for the shortest time. Ideally, you should make up your own mind about continuing to take HRT but - and it's a big but - only after you feel you fully understand the risks of doing so. There's an undoubted un·doubt·ed adj. Accepted as beyond question; undisputed. See Synonyms at authentic. un·doubt  ed·ly adv. increased risk of developing breast
cancer but all authorities agree it's very small.
Women with diabetes shouldn't take HRT. However, personally, I have decided not to sacrifice the benefits of HRT and to live with any perceived risk. I'm reassured that, despite the frightening headlines, researchers state the risks of HRT are very low for each individual woman. I choose to live with that in exchange for vigour, an active brain, a certain fearlessness and a zest for life. |
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