Large Study Finds Hormone Therapy Safe for Women, But Experts Warn to Read Carefully
19 Feb 2026
The research, published in the BMJ, followed 876,805 Danish women for about 14 years after they turned 45. While early numbers suggested women on MHT might have a slightly higher risk of death, the researchers found that when other factors were accounted for, there was no real difference.
The study also looked at how long women used MHT. Even those who had taken it for 10 years or more did not show an increased risk. Transdermal forms of MHT (applied through the skin) were linked with a slightly lower risk of death, but the authors warned this finding should be treated with caution.
Professor Susan Davis from Monash University said observational studies like this one can be affected by “healthy user bias.” She explained that major factors affecting life expectancy – like smoking and being overweight – were not included in the study.
The study also found that women who had both ovaries removed between the ages of 45 and 54 for non-cancer reasons had a lower risk of death if they used MHT – up to 34% lower. But Professor Davis said she is cautious about this result, as it doesn’t match expected life expectancy for women in Denmark.
Since March last year, three new MHT treatments – Estrogel, Estrogel Pro, and Prometrium – have been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Over 363,000 women have received more than 1.5 million prescriptions.
Dr Amy Dwyer from the National Breast Cancer Foundation said the study gives “reassuring real-world evidence,” but stressed the need for careful decision-making. She added that MHT is not the same for everyone, and the safest approach depends on the woman’s age, health, and type of hormone used.
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Source: BMJ