Does HRT affect life-expectancy?
The balance of evidence, in my opinion, suggests that HRT increases life-expectancy. In the Leisure World Laguna Hills study, there had been 1447 deaths after 7.5 years follow-up. Mortality was reduced by 20% in those who had taken HRT at some time in their lives. For current users who had been taking HRT for more than 15 years there was a 40% reduction in overall mortality. There were less cancer-related deaths in the HRT group. In a meta-analysis (Q33.23) of the literature published in 1992, it was calculated that in general there would be a net gain of one year for a woman starting HRT at the age of fifty. For those women most at risk of coronary heart disease, HRT would provide a net gain of two years. For women at particular risk of developing breast cancer, HRT would still provide a net gain of one year.
The American Nurses Health Study has followed 121,700 female nurses from 1976. Their latest report (1997) has continued to show lower death rates at a given age in HRT users.
Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
- Postmenopausal hormone therapy and mortality. (1997)
- Decreased mortality in users of estrogen replacement therapy (1991)
- Postmenopausal oestrogen treatment and stroke: A prospective study (1988)
Please click on the required question.
- 1 HRT help me with the psychological difficulties that I am experiencing around?
- 2 HRT help my mental ability?
- 3 Can HRT reduce my chance of developing heart disease?
- 4 How does HRT protect against coronary heart disease?
- 5 If I am at particular risk of heart disease, can HRT still help?
- 6 Do progestogens taken in combination with oestrogen replacement therapy have an adverse effect on heart protection?
- 7 How long should HRT be taken to reduce the risk of heart disease?
- 8 Is there any evidence that HRT will protect my bones?
- 9 Would the dose (strength) of my HRT influence its ability to protect my bones?
- 10 Are there other treatments apart from HRT for osteoporosis?
- 11 Would HRT help my skin?
- 12 Can hormone replacement therapy cure all my menopausal symptoms?
- 13 How prevalent is cancer of the breast?
- 14 What factors influence the chance of breast cancer developing?
- 15 What is the relationship between HRT and breast cancer?
- 16 I have benign breast disease. Can I take HRT?
- 17 Does a history of breast cancer mean that HRT is absolutely contraindicated?
- 18 If I started HRT early (aged 30 to 45), does this influence my chance of developing breast cancer?
- 19 Does hormone replacement therapy increase the risks of cancer of the womb?
- 20 I have had endometrial cancer and now have menopausal problems. Can I take HRT?
- 21 Does HRT have a relationship to ovarian cancer?
- 22 How does HRT relate to a blood clot (DVT - deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)?
- 23 I have varicose veins. Can I take HRT?
- 24 Should HRT be discontinued before I have a major operation or leg surgery?
- 25 Does HRT increase life-expectancy?
- 26 I am still seeing periods. Could HRT have any benefits for me?
- 27 I have been told that I have fibroids. Can I take HRT?
- 28 What happens if I decide not to take HRT?
- 29 Doctors seem to promote HRT but the media cause me anxiety. Who is right?
- 30 Support Groups.
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
