Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care

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25 Corticosteroids and other hormone preparations

Side effects


Endometrial cancer – oestrogen therapy alone increases the risk of endometrial

cancer and is therefore reserved for those who have had a hysterectomy. Women

with a uterus require combined oestrogen/progesterone therapy.


Breast cancer – oncerns have been raised regarding HRT and breast cancer

and there may be a slightly higher risk of breast cancer with combined oestro-

gen/progesterone therapy compared to oestrogen alone.


Deep vein thrombosis – HRT may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis

although the absolute risk is low. The mechanism is unclear, but HRT may pro-

voke changes in relation to the haemostatic system, increasing age of patients and

unmasking of thrombotic traits.

Peri-operative HRT

There is no evidence to support stopping HRT in the peri-operative period provided

the usual thromboprophylaxis protocols are followed.