Maximising the use of HRT: Focus on hysterectomised women

Hysterectomy is one of the most common gynaecological surgical operations p erformed in the UK. In addition to causing the early onset of the menopause , hysterectomy can lead some women to be at increased risk of future CHD an d osteoporoses owing to declining oestrogen levels. Hysterectomised women a re therefore an ideal group to receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT). H owever, only small numbers of women receive HRT owing to a number of factor s, including fear of potential complications and adverse side-effects. Of t hose women who do receive HRT, compliance with therapy is low. In this arti cle, the authors weigh the benefits of HRT, in terms of relief of menopausa l symptoms, and prevention of osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and cardiov ascular disease, against the known risks. The authors suggest that complian ce with HRT could be optimised by profiling patients in general practice an d by educating women on the long-term benefits of HRT.