Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

HRT-does it affect your heart?

For immediate release: 31 October 2007

HRT – does it affect your heart?

Doctors no longer prescribe HRT solely to reduce the risk of heart disease in menopausal women, since the treatment has been associated with a higher risk of stroke and blood clots (thrombosis). But how significant is this association?

In the Autumn 2007 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, consultant pharmacist Doctor Nuttan Tanna looks at whether or not HRT causes – or prevents – heart disease, strokes or blood clots (thrombosis). She also discusses HRT benefits versus HRT risks, and whether one type of HRT is safer than any of the others in relation to the heart and circulation.

“The link between HRT and heart and circulatory problems is highly controversial,” says Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange. “If women are thinking about going on HRT, they need to discuss their individual risk factors for conditions like heart disease, stroke and thrombosis with their health professional – and see what precautions they need to take.”

The Menopause Exchange covers a wide range of subjects like menopausal symptoms, HRT and its alternatives, nutrition, lifestyle and medical conditions (e.g. breast cancer). It is completely independent – it is not sponsored by any companies and is funded purely by subscriptions. Other articles in the Autumn 2007 issue include libido problems, natural help for the menopause and too much body/facial hair. The Menopause Exchange has an Ask the Experts panel, information service and fact sheets specifically for members.

For more info on The Menopause Exchange, write to The Menopause Exchange at PO Box 205, Bushey, Herts WD23 1ZS, call 020 8420 7245, fax 020 8954 2783 or send an e-mail to norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk

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NOTES FOR EDITORS:

1.The Menopause Exchange Newsletter was launched in June 1999.

2.The founder and director of The Menopause Exchange is Norma Goldman, a pharmacist with a Master’s degree in health promotion. She gives talks on the menopause at organisations, workplaces, exhibitions, health clubs, pharmacies and other venues. Her daughter, Victoria, the editor of the newsletter, is an experienced health journalist with a BSc. degree in Biomedical Science and a Master’s degree in Science Communication.

3.The aim of The Menopause Exchange is to raise the awareness of the menopause among women, healthcare professionals (e.g. nurses and pharmacists) and complementary practitioners.

4.Topics covered in previous issues of the newsletter include: HRT questions you forget to ask your doctor; osteoporosis treatments; complementary therapies at the menopause; phytoestrogen and herb safety; memory problems; anti-ageing beauty secrets; menopausal hair loss; mood swings; and coping with a premature menopause.

5.UK annual membership (4 issues of the newsletter and regular fact sheets) costs £18 for individuals; £22 for local organisations; £30 for companies/national organisations; corporate (over 10 copies) and overseas memberships are available on request.

6.All press enquiries to Norma Goldman on 020 8420 7245.