Women who received hormone replacement therapy after menopause face the risk of developing breast cancer remains increased almost 20 after its termination, said authors of the largest long-term study in this regard. According to Rowan Chlebowski at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, even a short-term use of a combination of estrogen and progestin can have lasting effects.

As part of the Women's Health Initiative study, specialists wanted to understand the effects of drugs for hormone replacement therapy for menopause: it was assumed that this therapy helps prevent heart disease, protects against bone loss and other problems that occur after menopause. Over 16,000 women aged 50 to 70 years for 5-6 years received combined hormonal drugs that combine estrogen and progestin, or placebo.

However, the main part of the study was stopped in 2002, when unexpectedly registered an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and breast cancer among participants taking hormones. Women were advised to stop treatment, but doctors continued to monitor them.

Over the past 19 years, 572 cases of breast cancer were registered among women receiving hormones, and 431 cases among women from the placebo group. Consequently, the risk of developing the disease after hormone therapy increased by 29%. According to experts, in women with strong flushes and other pronounced symptoms of menopause, the benefits of taking combination pills may outweigh the risks. Thus, it is recommended to use the lowest possible dose for the shortest time.