Update information
November 2024: We have reviewed the evidence and made new or updated recommendations on:
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cognitive behavioural therapy to manage symptoms associated with the menopause
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managing genitourinary symptoms associated with the menopause
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the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on specific health outcomes.
These recommendations are marked [2024].
We have also made some changes without an evidence review. These changes include clarifying:
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the information about menopause and fertility that should be shared and discussed with people who have associated symptoms or are approaching menopause, including those who are likely to experience menopause as a result of medical or surgical treatment
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when to refer people to a healthcare professional with expertise in menopause, or fertility, or both
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how to address the possible effects of menopause on mental health.
These are marked [2015, amended 2024].
We have also made some presentational changes without changing the meaning of the recommendations.
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Changes have been made to the wording to bring the language and style up to date.
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Information on the risk of the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on some health outcomes (muscle mass and strength, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and venous thromboembolism) has been clarified.
These recommendations are marked [2015].
Minor changes since publication
May 2025: We amended the rationale and impact sections on the effects of combined HRT and oestrogen-only HRT on specific health outcomes in people aged 45 and over to clarify details about the evidence for:
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combined HRT and risk related to breast cancer and ovarian cancer
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oestrogen-only HRT and risk related to breast cancer.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-6550-2