Risks of HRT

Benefits of HRT

Recurrence of breast cancer:

HABITS trial: At a median follow up of 2.1 years, 26 patients in the HRT group and 7 patients in the non-HRT group had a new breast cancer event.

WHI trial: Women in the EPT group experienced a 26% increase in breast cancer (38 vs 30 per 10,000 person-years).

Reduction in risk of fractures (WHI trial)

Lung cancer:

WHI trial: At a mean follow-up of 5.6 years and 2.4 years of additional follow-up, there was a trend towards increased lung cancer along with increased mortality. The risk continued even after cessation of HRT. This is of concern for smokers and for those who have other risk factors for lung cancer

Possible decreased risk of colorectal cancer (WHI trial)

Others:

WHI trial: Women in the EPT group had an increased risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and pulmonary embolism.