A TOP East Lancashire health official today said women who have been taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should not panic about new information relating to the treatment.

The Committee on Safety of Medicines has issued advice saying that although HRT is beneficial for the short-term treatment of menopausal symptoms it should not be the first choice of therapy for preventing osteoporosis - a weakening of the bones which causes them to break more easily. As well as breast cancer, HRT has also been linked with an increased risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers.

These risks are said to increase over time and it is advised that the minimum dose should be used for the shortest time when treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.

But today Dr Jim Paris, director of public health for Blackburn with Darwen PCT, said: "People don't need to rush and change their treatment.

"It should simply be reviewed at their next appointment.

"Short term risk is not associated with any great risk. It is a case of the longer you rake it the higher the risk.

"People should not be taking medication that does more harm than good but in the short term it does more good than harm.

"People need to discuss their circumstances with their doctor for individual assessment.

"For those who are concerned about osteoporosis one of the most effective means of preventing it is to take regular exercise and ensure your calcium and vitamin D intake is excellent.

"This can be through diet of supplements but you should always discuss supplements with your GP."

More information and advice is available at the MHRA's web site www.mhra.gov.uk.