HRT for menopause: is it safe?

Menopause is a time of significant hormonal changes which can lead to a range of symptoms that can severely impact quality of life for many women. So, a drug that promises to reduce these symptoms is incredibly welcome, but it has been steeped in controversy.

HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) has been widely debated, with conflicting information about its effectiveness, with some suggesting HRT is outright dangerous. In fact, a massive study twenty years ago linked it to an increased risk of breast cancer. As a result, the numbers of women taking HRT plummeted. So should HRT be avoided at all costs?

In today’s episode, Jonathan is joined by the author of that very study and esteemed Professor JoAnn Manson, alongside Dr. Sarah Berry to explore the science behind HRT.

• Professor JoAnn Manson is a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health and one of the world's most experts on HRT and menopause having run multiple enormous studies to uncover the effects of hormone replacement therapy on women’s health.

With the help of ZOE regular Dr. Sarah Berry, they delve into the science behind HRT, empowering listeners to make informed decisions about treatment for symptoms of the menopause.

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Timecodes:

00:00Introduction

00:12Jonathan's introduction

01:33Quick Fire Questions

03:27What is the menopause?

04:10What is the perimenopause?

05:46What is the state of the current conversation on the menopause?

07:13Should women seek help about the menopause?

07:58Why do some women have symptoms and others not?

09:15Yougov and ZOE study results on the menopause

11:35Why is the menopause getting more attention now?

13:39Should we be taking these symptoms seriously?

17:10What else can be done asides from HRT?

18:49Studies on the relationship between diet and menopause symptoms

19:35What can help alleviate symptoms?

21:23Are there any specific foods that can help improve symptoms?

23:37Are menopause specific supplements effective?

24:50How does HRT work?

26:26Is HRT just oestrogen?

30:59Does testosterone have a use for menopause?

31:58What is the controversy behind HRT?

35:56What's the latest advice and health risks?

38:11When should you stop hormone therapy?

40:43Do symptoms persist when you come off of hormone therapy?

42:00How long does HRT take to start working?

43:07How does HRT affect weight management?

45:15Summary

48:04Goodbyes

48:25Outro

Check the trials mentioned in today’s episode:

MsFlash: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4731298/

ZOEMenopause Study: https://joinzoe.com/learn/menopause-metabolism-study

PEPI Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7807658/

Follow Sarah: https://twitter.com/saraheeberry

Follow ZOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe/

Episode transcripts are available here.

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