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And women needing advice on types of HRT could be treated in local hubs, rather than waiting to see a gynaecologist.

Watts writes that the study was actually commissioned to see whether HRT decreased risk of heart disease — it didn’t — and that it was stopped after researchers observed a slight increase in risk of breast cancer.

HRT is the first line of treatment for menopause symptoms.

HRT replaces the hormones oestrogen or progestogen, or both, when women's periods stop - normally between the ages of 45 and 55.

It can be used against a list of HRT products, including patches, tablets and topical preparations.