The NICE position statement on HRT as at September 1 said: “The decision on whether or not to take HRT or any other treatment depends entirely on the individual woman’s circumstances and the discussion with her doctor or nurse.”11

Further, an individuals’ risks of specific outcomes will not just depend on HRT use but a range of factors, such as lifestyle and personal or family medical history. “We recommend that menopausal women discuss with their doctors their own individual situation in relation to the clarified risks and benefits to that they can agree an option that is right for them.”

Specifically responding to the Lancet paper, NICE said: “We will be reflecting on this study’s findings and considering it in our final decision as to whether we will update our menopause guideline, a decision on which we will publish in due course.” This announcement is expected in October 2019.12

In the meantime, the MHRA advises women using HRT to discuss the implications of the new study with the prescriber at their next routine appointment.10