12
Mar 2019
Women urged not to be alarmed by study into Alzheimer’s link to HRT
Women are being urged not to be concerned by recent research into a link between long-term use of HRT and a small increased risk of Alzheimer’s.
GPs say the risk is ‘extremely low’ and that HRT is a safe and effective treatment for the majority of women with symptoms of menopause.
The research by the BMJ studied information on 170,000 women in Finland over a period of 14 years.
The study found that there was a 9 – 17 per cent increased risk for Alzheimer’s, especially in those who had been taking the therapy for over 10 years.
This means between nine and 18 more cases per year in every 10,000 patient aged between 70 and 80. However, the study was observational and because of this, it cannot be said without doubt that other factors had not had an effect on the results.
Other studies have concluded that HRT in fact improves brain function.
Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said “Hormone replacement therapy can be of greatest benefit to many women who are suffering from some of the unpleasant side0effects of the menopause, such as hot flushes and night sweats – and there is a large body of evidence that shows it is an effective and safe treatment for most women.
“We should urge patients not to be alarmed by this research – as the researchers state, any risk is extremely low – and if they are currently taking HRT to continue doing so by their doctor.”
She did however stress that there were risks with any medication and that it was vital women were aware of those risks.
“To minimise any risk, best practice for most women is to prescribe the lowest possible dose of hormones for the shortest possible time in order to achieve satisfactory relief of symptoms.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.
Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Freephone : 0800 304 738
- Like this ? Share with friends