|
Healthy New Jersey is a special Caucus series looking at
some of the most critical health issues facing our state
and the region. On this installment, we look at the debate
over hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There are many treatment
options for menopause and HRT is probably the most well
known and most controversial. Despite the questions surrounding
HRT, doctors continue to prescribe it to relieve many menopausal
symptoms.
Hormone replacement therapy pills replace 2 hormones- estrogen
and progesterone- that decrease after menopause. It is clear
that HRT can reduce hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause,
but it is not right for everyone. Despite being prescribed
for more than half a century, HRT benefits and risks aren't
entirely known. Contradictory research about the risks and
benefits of HRT has been periodically released for years.
The only consensus among experts is that the decision is
an individual one since every woman's lifestyle issues and
risk profile is different.
- For many years, women were told that HRT could reduce
their risk of heart disease. However, based on new studies,
the American Heart Association no longer recommends hormone
replacement therapy as a treatment to prevent heart disease,
citing a lack of convincing evidence. (national center
for policy research, 11/01) Some scientists say that there
is an increased risk of heart problems and heart attack
during the first year of HRT use for women with cardiovascular
disease. (mayo)
- Although not always the case, HRT generally isn't recommended
for breast cancer survivors. Taking HRT for more than
5 years may increase your risk of breast cancer. (mayo)
- Evidence suggests that HRT increase bone density even
in frail women age 75 or older; however it may not be
effective at reducing fractures if you start aftet 60.
(mayo)
- About 6 million women in the US are taking estrogen
and progestin for various reasons, including relief of
menopausal symptoms and long-term use for the prevention
of heart disease and brittle bones. (cnn)
- For every 10,000 women taking hormones in one year,
31 women became ill with either heart disease, breast
cancer, strokes, blood clots (national institutes of health)
- 35-40% of postmenopausal US women use HRT. Many of
these women discontinue using it within 1 year for a variety
of reasons.
- HRT isn't right for every women, factors you and your
doctor should consider: have you had breast cancer? Do
you have cardiovascular disease? Are you experiencing
menopausal symptoms? Your age.
Gloria Bachmann, M.D. |
Ruby Huttner, M.D. |
Jill Hargrave |
Veronica Jackson |
Gerson Weiss, M.D. |
*Click on the guest photos to learn more about them
|
|
