The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has issued a safety alert regarding the increased prescribing of high-dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to women, joining other health organizations in doing so. In response to concerns that some women may be at risk of harm due to the elevated doses of estrogen and progestogen in certain HRT formulations, this alert has been issued.
According to the alert, high-dose HRT may increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer among women. The Royal College of General Practitioners is urging physicians to evaluate their prescribing practices and consider alternative treatments, such as lower-dose HRT or non-hormonal options.
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The alert was issued by the British Menopause Society, the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The organizations advocate for improved communication and education regarding the risks and benefits of HRT, as well as enhanced monitoring and follow-up care for women prescribed the treatment.
Some studies indicate that the risks associated with HRT may have been underappreciated in the past, which prompted the alert. The organizations advocate for a more cautious approach to prescribing HRT, with a greater emphasis on individualized treatment regimens that take a woman’s age, health status, and other risk factors into consideration.
The alert serves as a reminder of the significance of careful consideration when prescribing any medication, as well as the need for ongoing monitoring and follow-up care to ensure patients’ safety and well-being.
