I strongly disagree with Lewars’s conclusion about the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women with a premature menopause.1 He is quoting the Women’s Health Initiative, which was undertaken in women older than 50 and does not pertain to women in their 30s or even younger with early ovarian failure.
Women with untreated premature menopause are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, dementia, and parkinsonism.2 3 Therefore, a need for oestrogen replacement exists until the average age of the natural menopause, which is about 52 in the United Kingdom. This does not increase the risk of breast cancer.4 The recommendation for HRT use by Jones et al is in accordance with national guidelines.5
Competing interests: None declared.
References
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