The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has advised GPs that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) does not affect life expectancy.

Nice, affiliated with the Ministry of Health, updated guidance on menopauseDr. said that HRT, which is a treatment option, is safe to use.

Following analysis of data links between HRT and conditions such as heart disease, stroke, some cancers and dementia, the organization concluded that the treatment had no impact on how long an individual lived.

However, the guidance, which covers women, trans men and non-binary people who were registered as female at birth, points to some increased risks associated with HRT.

These include a slightly higher risk of dementia in women taking HRT after age 65. Women’s risk of developing breast cancer also increased slightly.

‘HRT can provide huge benefits’

HRT, on the other hand, may slightly reduce the risk of fractures associated with bone conditions such as osteoporosis, according to Dr Marie Anne Ledingham, consultant clinical consultant at Nice.

“The risks in the population are very low and HRT can provide huge benefits at a very difficult point in many women’s lives.” The BBC reported him saying:.

HRT It replaces the hormones estrogen or progestogen, or both, when menstrual periods stop and can be taken in pill form or topically. It is also an important part gender-affirming treatment for many transgender and non-binary people.

Nice also recommended cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a treatment option alongside or instead of HRT, depending on the patient’s condition.

The updated guidelines follow draft advice published late last year, which sparked debate that CBT could replace HRT.

Inside 2023, a report It showed that gender-affirming care, which can include taking hormones, led to a 50 percent decrease in cases of depression in the study group and a 55 percent decrease in suicidal thoughts.

Paul Carruthers, nurse consultant Gender Plus Hormone Clinic, “No medication is 100 percent risk-free, and like any medical treatment, taking it requires weighing the risks against the potential benefits,” he previously told PinkNews.

“It is critical for individuals considering hormone therapy to discuss their medical history, risk factors, and concerns with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance.”

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