Some other points about hormone replacement therapy

Some other points about hormone replacement therapy

• HRT
  does not act as a contraceptive. Therefore, if you are still having
  periods when you start HRT, or have only recently stopped having
  periods, you should still use contraception. Your doctor will advise
  when you no longer need to use contraception. But, as a general rule:
  contraception should be used to prevent pregnancy for one year after
  your last period if you are older than 50, or for two years after your
  last period if you are less than 50.
• If you are taking HRT, you should have regular check-ups with your
  doctor. This is so that you can regularly discuss the risks and
  benefits of taking HRT for you, as these may change over time. After
  some time, your doctor may also suggest stopping your HRT to see if you
  still need it.
• You should also be 'breast aware' and look out for any changes in
  your breasts. If you notice any lumps or problems that you are worried
  about, you should see your doctor. You should also attend your breast
  cancer screening mammogram when called.

What is tibolone?

Tibolone is a man-made
hormone that can be used as an alternative to HRT. It has some
oestrogen, progestogen and also some androgen (male hormone) effects.
So, you just have to take this one tablet to have these hormone
effects.

The following are some points about tibolone:

• It is effective in treating sweats and hot flushes.
• It reduces your risk of osteoporosis.
• It may also improve your libido (sex drive).
• It is associated with a small increased risk of stroke.
• Most studies have shown a small increased risk of having endometrial (womb) cancer diagnosed in women who use tibolone.
• Tibolone may be associated with a small increased risk of breast
  cancer. Studies have also shown that tibolone increases the risk of
  breast cancer recurrence in women with a history of breast cancer.

In younger women, the risks of taking tibolone are about the
same as taking combined HRT. For women older than 60, the risks
associated with taking tibolone start to outweigh the benefits because
of the increased risk of stroke.