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Discussion guide to support clinical discussions about HRT published along with updated guidelines

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Discussion guide to support clinical discussions about HRT published along with updated guidelines

The guide aims to support healthcare professionals by providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions about treatment choices, as well as information and support on menopause issues.

The guidelines acknowledge that the experience of menopause varies widely. For people over 40 years of age seeking treatment for common symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats (known as vasomotor symptoms) or symptoms such as vaginal dryness, the guidance recommends tailoring the benefit and risk information to suit age, individual circumstances and any potential risk factors. . It emphasizes the importance of prescribing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) only in approved doses..

Although HRT is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms, the guidelines also recommend that healthcare professionals over 40 years of age consider menopause-specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a treatment option for vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, in addition to HRT. It may also be considered for people for whom HRT is not recommended, or for those who prefer not to take HRT.

Although HRT is effective for symptoms, it should not be used to prevent cardiovascular disease or dementia.

Today we have also published a new discussion guide to support shared decision-making about HRT, focusing on the key risks and benefits to consider. The guidelines explain that although HRT has some risks, it is unlikely to increase or decrease overall life expectancy.

The guide also explains when cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may benefit vasomotor symptoms and improve sleep and mood.

Awareness of the impact that menopausal symptoms can have has increased in recent years, but we know that much remains to be done to improve the consistency and quality of support. This is not least the case for women from ethnic minorities or from poorer areas, who often do not know or have access to treatments that could help them.

This helpful and useful guide aims to bring together the latest evidence-based recommendations for the management and treatment of menopausal symptoms. It emphasizes the importance of promoting equal access to effective health care by taking into account factors such as ethnicity and recognizing the diverse needs of different population groups.

Along with the guide, we have produced a discussion guide for GPs to help them give personalized advice to women considering starting HRT.

Women should be confident that when they speak to their GP about their symptoms, they will be offered advice and options to suit their needs and support so they can make choices that are right for them.

Those considering treatment for menopausal symptoms should have access to the highest quality evidence to support their decisions. Care during menopause should be individualized. This updated NICE guidance provides new evidence to support informed choice, clarifies the risks and benefits of HRT, and the role of CBT in treating vasomotor symptoms. The recommendations include a new discussion tool to help make decisions together.

The updated guidance also includes new recommendations for treating genitourinary symptoms such as vaginal dryness, painful sex, and vaginal discomfort or irritation. The guide includes a visual summary to help healthcare providers treating women with and without breast cancer find the options that work best for them.