United States: After a rigorous study, it was revealed that the effectiveness of the hormone therapy in managing menopause symptoms is outweighing its associated risks, thereby concluded that its benefits far exceed the associated risks.
Further Insights into Study
Dr. JoAnn Manson, the study author and the chief of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said, “Among women below the age of 60, we found hormone therapy has a low risk of adverse events and [is] safe for treating bothersome hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms” as NPR News reported.
These findings mark a significant departure from previous advice given to women. The study’s findings were published in the medical journal JAMA.
How was the study conducted?
In the research, the results of the analysis of data ranging 20 years from the Women’s Initiative Health study (WIHS) were examined and that participants in the study (about 10,000) were given hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Yet, the study was stopped right about the time when the severe side effects were noted, including cancer (estrogen-progestin related) of breasts and stroke.
Manson said, “The findings were surprising,” while noting that the reason for conducting a randomized trial was due to the scientists who were trying to reach a conclusion on whether hormone therapy is decreasing the risk of heart disease and other conditions.
Once the first results were published, many women with high-risk breast cancer just stopped the therapy. Prescriptions were withered significantly, and partners remained cautious. Still, some medical professionals are reluctant to suggest hormone therapy.
However, menopause specialists claim that it is high time to re-thinking hormone therapy, as we know today much more about the topic compared to the last two decades, as NPR News reported.
Dr. Lauren Streicher, who is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said, “Women should know that hormone therapy is safe and beneficial,” as NPR News reported.
She added, “We learned what not to do,” and mentioned that the variant of progestin used, known as medroxyprogesterone acetate, was “highly problematic.”
Micronized progesterone is a bioidentical hormone with a molecular structure identical to naturally produced progesterone, often resulting in fewer side effects.
Streicher noted that women are most vulnerable to menopause-related issues between ages 50 and 60.