Study shows hormone therapy is safe for women over 65 years of age

In a recent study published by the Menopause Society, researchers found that hormone therapy (HT) may be safe and even promote long-term health in women, especially those over 65 years of age. This challenges previous research that linked HT with increased risks for various cancers and heart disease.

Hormone therapy, which contains female hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, has long been used to treat menopausal symptoms. However, concerns about its potential risks had led to fears about its usage. The new study suggests that there is no one-size-fits-all rule for stopping hormone therapy based on age alone.

Stephanie Faubion, the medical director for The Menopause Society, stated, “This large observational study of women provides reassurance regarding the safety of longer-term hormone therapy use and even potential benefits, particularly in women using oestrogen alone.” The study also highlighted the importance of individualization of treatment based on factors like dose, route of administration, and formulation.

The research followed 10 million elderly women from 2007 to 2020 and found that taking oestrogen alone beyond age 65 was associated with significant risk reductions in various health conditions, including mortality, breast cancer, lung cancer, and dementia. However, a combination of oestrogen and progestogen therapy was found to increase the risk of breast cancer, which could be mitigated with low doses of progestin.

Overall, the study provides important insights into the benefits and risks of hormone therapy in older women. It highlights the need for individualized treatment plans based on factors like age, hormone type, and dosage.