Medical Questions » Menopause Questions » Question No. 674
| Question: | I began menopause six months ago. I' ve been on HRT (hormone replacement therapy) but have a period just before or just after the tablets finish. The doctor said I need a curette and told me not to take the tablets because of a higher risk of cancer. However, I wish to continue taking them because I can' t bear the hot flushes. What should I do? |
| Answer: | Any form of abnormal bleeding while on HRT needs to be investigated, and that is why your doctor is quite rightly showing concern.
Bleeding should occur each month just after finishing the hormone tablets. Some women are on constant hormone regimes and will not have any bleeding. Bleeding that occurs before the tablets finish each month is what will be concerning your doctor.
The chance of cancer or any other serious disease is very slight, but if it is present, it is far better to detect it early when it has a good chance of cure, rather than leave it until too late.
A curette will quickly diagnose any cancer and possibly cure other causes of abnormal bleeding. It is a simple procedure, requires only one day in hospital, and has minimal after effects.
Because HRT can aggravate an existing cancer (but it does not cause cancer) it is sensible to stop it until after the curette. You will only need to be off the HRT for a few weeks until the after the operation, and if all is clear, you can restart the HRT and control the annoying hot flushes again.
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