“For healthy women with bothersome hot flashes aged
younger than 60 years or within 10 years of menopause,
the benefits of HT generally outweigh the risks”.1
Umbrella
What may the Hormone Therapy Risks Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Risks
- Hormone Therapy (HT) Risks
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) Risks
Date
What can it be important to be clear about with hormone therapy (HT) risks information?
It can be important to be clear about the date of all information including the date of HT risks information, because this information may have been updated.
Symptoms or Chronic Conditions
What can it also be important to be clear about with HT risks information?
It can also be important to be clear about whether HT risks information is about the use of HT for the management of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness or for the prevention of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia and osteoporosis.
One Size Fits All
Are different types of HT available?
No. In HRT – Types, Doses and Regimes the (British) Women’s Health Concern elaborate on:
Risks
What are some risks associated with HT?
In Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Are the Risks of MHT?, last updated 08 September 2022, the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) elaborate on:
- The type of medication
- The dose given
- How long the medication is used for
- How the medication is given (e.g. patch or tablet)
- When medication is started
- Whether a progestogen is used
- The type of progestogen used”.3
Risks vs Benefits
Are the risks of HT generally outweighed by the benefits?
In Risks and Benefits of MHT: Supporting Women Making A Decision the Australasian Menopause Society elaborate on:
- “The risks of MHT must be considered in perspective for each woman and balanced against the benefits, particularly the severity of symptoms
- Management of menopausal symptoms should be tailored to the individual woman to effectively manage her symptoms and minimise risks
- For some women any extra risk will be unacceptable but others may feel that the benefits outweigh the risks”.4
NICE Guidelines
What did the (British) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) guidelines note about the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
In Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Benefits and Risks of HRT, last Updated: 05 December 2019, the NICE explain and elaborate on:
- Blood Clots (Venous Thromboembolism)…
- Heart Disease and Stroke (Cardiovascular Disease)…
- Breast Cancer…
- Type 2 Diabetes…
- Osteoporosis…
- Loss of Muscle Strength…
- Dementia…”.5
Who is a GP?
DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.
Younger Than 60 Years
Younger than 60 years, do the benefits of HT generally outweigh the risks?
On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks, published July 2022, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:
In Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Are the Risks of MHT? the JH elaborate on:
Older Than 60 Years
Older than 60 years or postmenopausal for 10 years or more, is it recommended women do not start HT?
The JH note:

“It is not recommended you start MHT if you are older than 60 years or if you’ve been postmenopausal for 10 years or more”.8
After Age 65
In women older than 65 years, can starting HT increase the risk of dementia?
On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks the NAMS explain:
Breast Cancer Risk
Can HT increase breast cancer risk?
On page one in Deciding About Hormone Use: Potential Risks the NAMS explain:
On page two in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause one of the recommendations is:
- “Current evidence suggests that oestrogen alone HRT is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer than combined HRT. Breast cancer risk is duration dependent and may vary with the type of progestogen used. The risk of breast cancer should be considered in the context of the overall benefits and risks associated with HRT intake”.11
Not Advised
When may using HT not be advised?
The JH note:
- Cancer (e.g. breast or uterine)
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- Heart disease”.12
Do Not Take
Which should HT not be takeen?
In Menopause: Medicines To Help You the (United States) Food and Drug Administration elaborate on:
- Have problems with vaginal bleeding
- Have or have had certain cancers such as breast cancer or uterine cancer
- Have or have had a blood clot, stroke or heart attack
- Have a bleeding disorder
- Have liver disease
- Have allergic reactions to hormone medicine”.13
Health Care Provider
What if I choose to use HT, how can I find out what my risks and benefits are?
If you choose to use HT, it may be in your best interest to also choose to talk to your health care provider about this.
In BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women the British Menopause Society (BMS) and Women’s Health Concern (WHC) note:

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Use the NAMS explain:
In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Hormone Therapy the (United States) Mayo Clinic note:
“Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks and benefits involved with each. Review your options yearly, as your needs and treatment options may change”.16
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Hormone Therapy Risks?
In Health Topics A-Z may find:
Health Topics A-Z
- Bioidentical Hormones
- Hormone Therapy
- Hormone Therapy 2016 Revised Global Consensus Statement
- Hormone Therapy 2022 Update for Chronic Conditions
- Hormone Therapy Alternatives
- Hormone Therapy Benefits and Risks
- Hormone Therapy Videos
- Hormone Therapy and Blood Clots
- Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer
- Hormone Therapy and Estrogen Plus Progestogen Therapy
- Hormone Therapy and Estrogen Therapy
Links
Where may I find Links related to Hormone Therapy Risks?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.New or Updated
- 20 Years of Data Lead To Changes In Perceptions, Usage of Menopausal HT
- Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
- BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women
- BMS, IMS, EMAS, RCOG and AMS Joint Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk In Response To EMA Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee Recommendations In May 2020
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
- Combined Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Consumer Health: Menopause, Hormone Replacement Therapy and Heart Health
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- EMAS Menopause Essentials
- EMAS Replay [Webinars]
- Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Women’s Profiles
- Estrogen & Hormones
- Estrogen & Hormones: Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Family History
- Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
- Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
- Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
- HRT
- HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens
- HRT: Benefits and Risks
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Benefits and Risks
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Overview – Risks and Side Effects of HRT
- Hormone Therapy In Postmenopausal Persons: Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions
- Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe, Despite Rare Blood Clot Risks From Tablets
- Hormone Therapy for Menopause
- Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
- Hot Flashes
- Hot Flashes
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
- How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
- Index To Drug-Specific Information [United States]
- Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [+ Video: Is HRT Bad for You?]
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
- Learning To Cope With Hot Flashes
- MHT and Breast Cancer Risk
- Making Choices At Menopause
- Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video]
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Venous Thromboembolism
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Women’s Health: An Umbrella Review
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms
- Menopause Hormone Therapy and Your Heart
- Menopause Hormone Therapy and Your Heart: How To Limit the Risks
- Menopause Hormone Therapy: Does It Cause Vaginal Bleeding?
- Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Are the Benefits of MHT?
- Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Are the Risks of MHT?
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 3. The Risks & Benefits of HRT
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 4. The Different Types of HRT
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Treating Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
- Menopause Symptoms and Relief
- Menopause Treatment
- Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Benefits and Risks of HRT [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Medicines To Help You
- Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
- Oestrogen Only Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- Risks and Benefits of MHT
- Study IDs Non-Hormonal Options for Menopause Symptoms
- The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement
- The North American Menopause Society Statement on Continuing Use of Systemic Hormone Therapy After Age 65
- Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- Topical Estrogens and Non-Hormonal Preparations for Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Atrophy: An EMAS Clinical Guide
- Types of Hormone Therapy
- Venous Thrombosis/Thromboembolism Risk and Menopausal Treatments
- Video Series-2020: What You Need To Know About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
- Video Series-2021: What Women Need to Know About Hormone Therapies
- Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
- Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
- Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Prevention of Chronic Diseases In Women: Where Does MHT Fit In
- Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: The Women’s Health Initiative – What Can We Believe
- Webinars: Previous – 2021 Vision: Practical Steps to Optimize Your Benefit-Risk. Discussions for A New Decade
- Webinars: Previous – Breast Cancer
- Webinars: Previous – The Early Menopausal Patient
- What Are the Benefits and Risks of HRT?
- What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks. July 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 16 December 2022
- HRT – Types, Doses and Regimes. Published Date: September 2021. British Menopause Society https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/hrt-types-doses-and-regimens/ Accessed: 16 December 2022
- Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Are the Risks of MHT? Last Updated: 08 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 16 December 2022
- Risks and Benefits of MHT: Supporting Women Making A Decision. Content Updated January 2021. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/risks-and-benefits-of-mht-hrt Accessed: 16 December 2022
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Benefits and Risks of HRT. Published Date: 12 November 2015. Last Updated: 05 December 2019. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/ifp/chapter/Benefits-and-risks-of-HRT Accessed: 16 December 2022
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks. July 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 16 December 2022
- Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Are the Risks of MHT? Last Updated: 08 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 16 December 2022
- Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Are the Risks of MHT? Last Updated: 08 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 16 December 2022
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks. July 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 16 December 2022
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks. July 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 16 December 2022
- Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 16 December 2022
- Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Are the Risks of MHT? Last Updated: 08 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 16 December 2022
- Menopause: Medicines To Help You. Content Current As of: 22 August 2019. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForWomen/ucm118627.htm Accessed: 16 December 2022
- BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women. Updated March 2021. British Menopause Society and Women’s Health Concern https://thebms.org.uk/publications/consensus-statements/bms-whcs-2020-recommendations-on-hormone-replacement-therapy-in-menopausal-women/ Accessed: 16 December 2022
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks. July 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 16 December 2022
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Hormone Therapy. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 16 December 2022