Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been under fire in recent years following the publication of a study claiming it increases the risk of breast cancer.

Millions of women worldwide ceased taking the treatment following these claims.

However, another report was published last month stating the treatment helped prevent heart disease in women more than 50 years of age.

With such conflicting publicity it is easy for women to become confused about whether HRT would be beneficial to them.

Understanding the treatment combined with advice from a medical professional is a good way to make a judgement.

HRT is a replacement of oestrogen and progesterone. It comes in a number of forms including cream, pessasaries, tablets, patches and gel. It is used to treat the symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, sweating, mood swings, insomnia, palpitations and infrequent and uncomfortable urinating. It starts to work within 10 days.

Menopause affects all women. It happens when periods stop from low levels of oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease naturally when there are few eggs left.

Menopause also occurs when the ovaries fail from treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, or when ovaries are removed following a hysterectomy. The average menopausal age in the UK is 51 and 80 per cent of women aged 54 and over no longer have periods.

Leila Hanna, consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at Queen Mary's Hospital Sidcup says the upmost care is taken to make sure the risks associated with HRT are minimised.

She said: "While on HRT, the patient has a yearly follow up and is advised to take up the breast screening offered.

"Some patients say HRT has transformed their life that's why some don't want to come off it. But we have to look at the risks and benefits. We advise how to very gradually come off HRT."

Leila advises women not to take HRT for longer than 10 years, as this is when risks are highest.

HRT is not the only option, there are a many alternative treatments including ayurveda, an eastern practice which aims to restore balance to the body and detoxify though baths, massage and enemas.

Leila adds the NHS will advise and support women on all treatments they choose.