The guidance highlights that while there are some increased risks linked to taking HRT, it is unlikely to lengthen or shorten overall life expectancy.
Easy-to-read illustrations of the likelihood of developing certain health conditions are featured. These are intended to help GPs have informed conversations with patients.
Dr Marie Anne Ledingham, consultant clinical adviser to NICE, explained that an independent panel assessed available scientific evidence to come up with the information.
She said the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and ovarian and endometrial cancer was no higher among women aged 45 and over taking combined HRT, compared to those who had never taken it.
And HRT actually reduced the risk of fractures linked to the bone condition osteoporosis, which is more likely to develop after the menopause.
But the risk of breast cancer for women did rise slightly, affecting:
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59 in every 1,000 women who never take HRT
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79 in every 1,000 taking combined HRT for five years from the age of 50
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92 in every 1,000 taking combined HRT for 10 years
The risk of dementia was also slightly higher if women started taking HRT after the age of 65. In younger patients there was no elevated risk of developing dementia.
“The risks are very low in the population, and HRT can provide huge benefits at a very difficult point in many women’s lives,” Dr Ledingham said.
