Doctors call for new guidelines as study finds HRT 'is safe – and can protect heart'

By Jenny Hope

PUBLISHED: 17:32 EST, 9 October 2012 | UPDATED: 18:32 EST, 9 October 2012

Taking HRT is safe and can protect against heart disease without increasing cancer risks, a milestone study claims.

It found women who take hormone replacement therapy at the start of the menopause for 10 years can reduce their risk of heart failure, heart attacks and premature death.

Most importantly, the study found there was no extra risk of cancer, strokes or blood clots even 16 years after starting HRT.

HRT use dropped dramatically in 2002 when a study found women who took it were at a higher risk of breast cancer, heart disease and strokes. A new review has called that research 'unreliable and defective'

Using HRT halved the risk of heart disease and strokes, and cut the death rate by 43 per cent during the study period.

Experts hailed the findings as finally demonstrating that HRT has long-term health benefits after a decade-long controversy over its safety.

British doctors are calling for rules on HRT prescribing to be re-written, allowing a new generation of women to get bone protection and relief from menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and mood changes.

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Doctors call for new guidelines as study finds HRT 'is safe - and can protect heart'