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A new study indicates that oestrogen-only HRT can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in some women.
The Telegraph reports that HRT has become less popular in the last decade, as research indicated that it could increase the risk of breast cancer.
However, oestrogen-only HRT - which is less common and given to women who have had hysterectomies - appears to have a protective effect.
The new study, published in The Lancet Oncology, took place at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle in 2002. It involved 7,645 women aged 50 to 79, who had had hysterectomies and had no family history of breast cancer.
Half were given oestrogen-only HRT for about six years, while the other half were given a placebo.
The trial was stopped in 2004, as it was found that this type of HRT slightly increased the risk of stroke. However, researchers followed the volunteers for another six years and found that those on the HRT were 23 per cent less likely to have developed breast cancer over a 12-year period.
Those who did develop breast cancer were 63 per cent less likely to die from it than the women who had not taken the HRT.
The
Daily Mail reports that the treatment seemed to deter the growth of tumours, but did not seem to protect women who had a family history of breast cancer or had suffered benign breast disease.
Garnet Anderson, author of the study, told the newspaper that the drug has risks as well as benefits, as it it known to increase the likelihood of blood clots and strokes.
Dr Anderson said: "These latest results should provide reassurance about breast safety of oestrogen use for durations of about five years for women with a hysterectomy seeking relief form post-menopausal symptoms."
Rachel Greig, of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, told the Daily Mail: 'This is a strong study which may provide reassurance to women of the effects of oestrogen-only HRT, a certain type of HRT that is used to treat menopausal symptoms in women who have had a hysterectomy.
"However, it's important to remember there are different types of HRT and other large studies have shown these can increase the risk of breast cancer as well as other health problems.
"In the meantime we advise women to speak to their GP if they have questions about treatment for the menopause."
Dr John Stevenson, an menopause expert at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London told The Telegraph that around 100,000 women in the UK are taking the oestrogen-only form of HRT. It helps to prevent menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flushes.
Do you, or would you, take HRT? Let us know below...
Click on the image below to find out how to cope with symptoms of the menopause...
- Exercise
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Regular weight-bearing exercise like running, cycling and walking can help with menopausal mood swings, weight gain and will guard against osteoporosis, which most commonly affects women over the age of 50.</p>
- Cut caffeine and alcohol
<p>
Along with cigarettes and carbonated drinks (the phosphorus isn't good for bones), high amounts of caffeine should be avoided, so forget about fighting fatigue with a couple of morning cups of coffee. Not only can caffeine exacerbate insomnia (another menopausal symptom), it can also trigger hot flushes. Alcohol is another hot flush instigator.</p>
- Acupuncture
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Studies have found that acupuncture can help alleviate the severity of menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and can also help boost moods and reduce insomnia. </p>
- Cotton sheets and nightclothes
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Night sweats caused by fluctuating oestrogen levels, coupled with menopause-related insomnia, can make sleeping troublesome. Take control by switching to cotton PJs and 100% per cent cotton bedding, which will absorb moisture more efficiently.</p>
- Layer it
<p>
Hot flushes are unpleasant but can be helped by turning down the thermostat, staying hydrated and wearing comfortable, loose-fitting layers of clothing (in cotton or another natural fibre) so you can easily slip one off when you start to feel overheated.</p>
- Stay hydrated
<p>
Water is as important as ever during the menopause. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty during the day - H2O will also help with undesirable symptoms like dry skin, flushes and headaches.</p>
- Lubrication
<p>
Vaginal dryness is one of the most common (and more embarrassing) symptoms of menopause and can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety. A lubricant or vitamin E oil should help.</p>
- Turn down the spice
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</p>
<p>
Spicy foods may be tasty, but they also raise body temperature and can exacerbate hot flushes. Other foods to avoid include meats high in saturated fats and high-sugar foods, which affect how the body metabolises oestrogen.</p>
- De-stress
<p>
Mood swings and irritability, not to mention physical achiness in the bones and joints, are all symptoms that a de-stressing practise like yoga can help with. Yoga and meditation are also useful in helping women relax and sleep better, and the exercise can help combat the weight gain some experience in menopause.</p>
- Supplements
<p>
Some women alleviate menopausal symptoms with supplements like black cohosh (meant to decrease hot flushes, but it can cause liver problems), ginseng (thought to improve moods), red clover and Chinese herb dong quai, which are all used by women as alternatives to HRT. But these supplements aren't right for everyone, so check with a doctor to make sure they're safe for you. </p>
- Dietary changes
<p>
Diet can play a key role in helping to reduce menopausal symptoms. Eating foods rich in vitamin E (nuts, vegetable oils, cereals), can help with dry skin and also reduces cholesterol damage. Also, a diet with plenty of plant-based foods that are high in phyto-oestrogens (which balance hormonal levels in the body) like soya, lentils, seeds and kidney beans is thought to be beneficial. To keep bones strong and healthy, ensure you have plenty of calcium, too. </p>
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