HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, is back in the news lately. Now, they are saying that the rewards may out weight the risk - a complete reversal from the last major study. Confused? We don't blame you. What adds to the confusion is the headlines do not tell the whole story.
There have been various studies have linked HRT with increased risk of stroke and heart disease, in the first year of taking the drug, and breast cancer in the later years. Those studies have led Doctors to counsel their patients to avoid HRT. Now, this new study has indicated that for a small group of women, under a narrowly defined set of circumstances, HRT is worth the risk. For example, a 50 -55 year old woman who is not over weight, has no family history of heart disease or breast cancer, low cholesterol and no high blood pressure, and is suffering debilitating menopausal symptoms - the rewards might out weigh the risk. But, that is a very narrow group of women. If you do not meet all of the requirements then the risks move further up the scale.
As with any major health care option we believe that there is not a "one size fits all" approach. Each woman's individual risks must be assessed. Your Doctor at The Woman's Clinic will be happy to sit down with you and discuss your personal care plan.
Posted on
Mon, June 11, 2012
by Alicia Prince