Text Box: When you go online and look at all the different opinions about HRT of scientists and healthcare professionals, you may become overwhelmed by the wide spectrum of information. Different studies and come to different conclusions, and the results varied depending on the participants as well as the variables. We are all constantly trying to come up with the answers because there are so many positive benefits, but negative ones as well: so which outweighs which? Personally I’m not sure that anyone can give you a definitive answer, so here is what we do know for sure. You and only you know your body, and ultimately it’s you who needs to make the decision whether or not to begin or stop HRT, if you are willing to ignore the risks in order to feel better in the long run, and if it’s working enough to make you feel like “normal” or how you used to. - It’s estimated that about 14 million women take HRT. Six million take a combination of estrogen and progestin and eight million take estrogen alone. - HRT has been prescribed for nearly 50 years in various doses and combinations. - Researchers at Tufts University Medical School demonstrated that estrogen-mimicking chemicals make human breast cancer cells multiply in the laboratory, just as natural estrogen does. - An increased risk of endometrial cancer (if a woman still has her uterus and is not taking progesterone along with estrogen). - Increased risk of blood clots Text Box: and stroke. - Increased risk of breast cancer in women who are taking estrogen-progestin combination therapy for extended periods of time. Estrogen alone has not been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer in the estrogen-alone arm of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study. - Increased risk of heart disease in women taking estrogen-progestin combination therapy. Estrogen alone has not been shown to increase the risk of heart disease in the estrogen-alone arm of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study. Known Benefits of HRT: - Reduces the symptoms of "hot flashes." - By keeping bones strong, HRT can help prevent osteoporosis - osteoporosis refers to thinning or weakening of bones. All people experience some thinning of the bones at 35-40 years old, and thinning of bones or osteoporosis makes people susceptible to broken bones. Estrogen supplements slow down the process of bone deterioration, there isn’t a study out yet that directly links HRT with the prevention of osteoporosis. - Decreases pain and irritation caused by vaginal dryness. At menopause, the decrease in estrogen production may cause dryness, burning, or itching in and around the vagina. These symptoms may be alleviated by HRT. - Reduce cholesterol- HRT raises high-density lipoprotein ("good cholesterol"), while lowering low-density lipoprotein ("bad cholesterol"). Text Box: The Controversy Over HRT By: Megan Mathews

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Part of Bioidentical Medical Dictionary

Volume 1, Issue 2

Special points of interest:

· Keeping you updated on the latest HRT news

· Helping you understand why individualized therapy is the best method

· Focusing on the big questions of safety and side effects while using hormone replacement

· Special discount offers at our Health Store

· Contact me for doctor referrals

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Copyright 2005-2006 Bioidentical Medical Dictionary

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The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The content provided is intended strictly for informational purposes to help patient understanding of medical terms and conditions.

Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein or "bad cholesterol" may increase the risk of heart attacks. Thus, HRT appears to reduce or prevent heart attacks by lowering cholesterol levels.

-  Improvement of mood and overall sense of mental well-being in some women

-  Decreased tooth loss

-  Lowered risk of colon cancer

Sources:

1. http:// www.breastcancerfund.org/site/ pp.asp?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=85106.  ©  Breast Cancer Fund.

2. http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/ women/menop.asp.  ©2006   American College of  Gastroenterology.  

3. http://www.ultrapms.com/ menopause/hrt.htm.  

4. http://foxnews.webmd.com/ content/article/51/40613.htm.  

 

The Controversy Over HRT

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A Look at Early Menopause

2

Study Shows HRT May Cloud Breast Cancer Testing

2-3

Tips to Consider when Ending Hormone Replacement Therapy

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Product List For Bioidentical Health Store

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Who We Are

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