The Federal Government today endorsed moves by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to examine the safety of hormone replacement therapy, in the light of a US Study which suggests that combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could increase the risk of breast cancer and some other diseases.

Ms Trish Worth, Parliamentary Secretary to the Commonwealth Minister for Health and Ageing, said today the Government takes such research seriously and it was important that the study be referred by the TGA to the Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) to urgently convene an eminent Expert Group to give further advice about the significance of the study.

"It is important that Australian women feel confident about the medications that they use," she said.

Dr John McEwen, Principal Medical Adviser for the TGA, said the expert committee would be chaired by Professor Martin Tattersall and included experts in cardiovascular disease, gynaecology, epidemiology and endocrinology.

He said while the study was significant, it was important to note that there was no increase in the overall death rate or in the overall occurrence of cancers in the women taking oral combination hormone replacement therapy

"The study was conducted in healthy post-menopausal women who had not had an hysterectomy. The results may not be relevant to women who have had an hysterectomy and are taking oestrogen replacement therapy," Dr McEwen said.

"Prevention of coronary artery disease is not an approved use for combination hormone replacement therapy in Australia."

Dr McEwen stressed that Australian women who are taking combination hormone replacement therapy need not be overly alarmed.

"There is no suggestion of any short term toxic effect of combination hormone replacement therapy requiring immediate cessation. There is no need for a woman taking the therapy to see their doctor today.

"However, their own doctor is the most appropriate person to consult given the fact that every woman has their own medical history and reasons for HRT use."

The Expert Committee has been asked to give advice about the significance of the US study findings and recommend what, if any, action Australia should take. The advice is expected to be available later this week.

Further information: Mark Williams, Media Adviser, Ms Worth 0401 147 558
Kay McNiece, TGA Media Unit 0412 132 585