| Bone Health | |
The latest statement by The International Menopause Society Dr. Wendy Klein, a member of The North American Menopause Society and leading expert in menopause management, recently forwarded an incredibly easy-to-understand document on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in the early menopause stage. This material is the latest statement from the first International Menopause Society (IMS) global summit on menopause-related issues. The International Menopause Society is a leading resource for both the media and medical professionals, and is the first menopause society, established in 1978. This impressive group of scientist and doctors has written a presentation that simplifies complicated and controversial information on HRT. Their summary covers common perceptions verses scientific evidence regarding the use of HRT during early menopause. The material succinctly lists data in regards to HRT as it relates to heart disease, stroke and thromboembolism (blood clots), breast health, bone health, cognition (mental faculty), and quality of life and menopause. So when did all the fear begin regarding HRT? In 2002 a government-sponsored study of hormone treatment, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), revealed results stating the use of estrogen and progestin after menopause did not protect women against heart disease, as doctors had previously thought. Their study indicated an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and breast cancer. It should be noted that the average age of the participants of this study was 63 years old, and they started hormone therapy many years after menopause. WHI narrowed its focus on a second trial looking at the health effects of hormone therapy in younger (under 60 years old) verses older women. They found that younger post-menopausal women actually enjoyed a lower risk of adverse health effects from hormone therapy than their older counterparts. In June 2007, the New England Journal of Medicine published a report clarifying some of the conflicting information of the WHI initial results. The new NEJM study specifically reported that women between the ages of 50 and 59 who have had hysterectomies and therefore used estrogen alone (not the estrogen-progestin combination) showed up to 40 percent less calcium-based plaque in their heart arteries than those on placebo. If you are a healthy woman who has been living in “hormone therapy fear” as a result of the WHI, concerned about your health, and dealing with menopause symptoms, then you may find the latest statement from the IMS very insightful. The WHI left many of us searching for “natural” solutions for miserable symptoms. Be informed, so you can manage your menopause by understanding the scientific evidence in the area of HRT. Most of the books currently on the bookshelves in your local bookstores are a reflection of the HRT fear that was created by the WHI. The controversy still continues regarding hormone replacement therapy. Some menopause experts may feel that the IMS should wait before making some of its statements. I was thrilled to read this new material, and thankful Dr. Klein shared this latest IMS statement. The authors have clearly organized common perceptions about hormone therapy, and presented scientific evidence in the area of heart, bone, breast and cognitive health. This statement is hot off the press from The International Menopause Society. The evidence refers to data from randomized controlled trials, and case-control/observational studies. The IMS focus of discussions was the effects of HRT first administered during the early postmenopausal period. Since hormone therapy has many benefits, as well as risks, this new statement may assist you in making more informed choices with your doctor about your health. The IMS states, “Hormone replacement therapy remains the first-line and most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms…. It reduces mortality and this may be, in large part, due to prevention of heart disease.” For more information on the International Menopause Society: |
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