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Review
. 2003 Jun 16;178(12):630-3.

Hormone replacement therapy: to use or not to use?

Rodney J Baber  1 , Justine L O'Hara, Frances M Boyle
Affiliations
  • PMID: 12797851
Review

Hormone replacement therapy: to use or not to use?

Rodney J Baber et al. Med J Aust. .

Abstract

The main indication for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is to control menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life. Ideally, withdrawal of HRT should be attempted after 4-5 years of therapy. HRT reduces fracture risk and remains appropriate therapy for osteoporosis, particularly in women with symptoms. HRT is not appropriate for primary or secondary cardioprotection. HRT leads to a small increase in breast cancer incidence, which increases with duration of therapy and age. HRT increases the risk of thromboembolism. Patient management and therapy should be reviewed annually with risk-benefit counselling.

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