Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

HRT

Shell1
  • 1 reply
  • 44 subscribers
  • 354 views

Hello all this is my first ever post to this community

I’m looking for some information about HRT after cervical cancer. I have discussed with my consultant the need for it to a degree they have said that there is no medical reason I shouldn’t be taking HRT to ease the symptoms of menopause and to help with bone density, that was about it! I’m seriously concerned about the risk of developing further cancers. All I’m met with is because of my age 33 that the risk of bone health outways the risk of linked cancers to HRT. Im struggle to make the right decision for me the last thing I want to do is put my self at risk of future cancers but I also want to do what’s best for my health. I’d appreciate any advice. 

  • Dear  

    Thank you for getting in touch, my name’s Sue, and I’m one of the cancer information nurses on the Support Line.

    Welcome to our Online Community, we hope you find this a helpful and supportive space, sometimes having the support from others who are going through a similar experience to ourselves, can make such a difference.

     It’s understandable that you may be feeling concerned and unsure about the risk of taking HRT after having had cervical cancer. There has been lots of publications written about the potential risks, it’s natural you may be struggling to decide about your treatment.

    The NHS reports recent evidence has shown the risks from HRT are very low and in the past many people were reluctant to take it or prescribe it because of older studies, which are now seen as outdated.

    Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) replaces the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone and is used to help menopausal symptoms. It can also help to protect someone’s bones and heart as menopause and early menopause may increase the risk of bone thinning (osteoporosis) and heart disease.

    As with all medications HRT has benefits and risks and this can vary from person to person depending on individual factors such as age, weight, medical and family history.

    Many women who have had cancer can take HRT however, doctors are more cautious to prescribe this when someone has had a cancer that is stimulated by hormones, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or womb cancer.

    The charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust offer lots of information about HRT and highlights although there are risks associated with taking HRT these are small and the benefits very often outweigh any risk. It will also be dependent on other factors such as someone’s age and the dose of medication prescribed.

    The NHS also offer lots of information including the different types of HRT and alternative ways of treating menopausal symptoms if someone cannot take HRT or prefers not to.

     

    I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.

    The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

    Best wishes

    Sue

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     Ref: SMG/AW

    Sue Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007