If possible you should avoid or limit the use of hormone replacement therapy.

Women suffering severely from menopausal symptoms may discuss whether to take hormone replacement therapy with their physician. Use of hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of cancers of the breast, endometrium and ovary, as well as several non-cancer adverse health outcomes. The cancer risk pattern depends on the type of hormone replacement therapy (estrogen-only or combined estrogen-progestogen drugs), and whether the woman has had her uterus removed (undergone hysterectomy). Studies have shown that the excess risk of breast cancer associated with combined estrogen-progestogen menopausal therapy occurs after a few years of treatment and remains elevated for at least five years after discontinuation of estrogen-progestogen therapy, although the risk starts declining shortly after stop of treatment. Thus, if hormone replacement therapy is started, the treatment should be taken for the shortest time and at the lowest dose possible to control the symptoms of menopause. The precise therapy should be discussed with the physician before starting treatment.