To My
Patients,
National Institute of
Health/Women’s Health Initiative Findings
On the Use of Estrogen
The latest
research on estrogen only use by women was released yesterday. Here
are the highlights:
1.
It appears that the risks associated with Estrogen (ET) are
less adverse than those found in the WHI on combined
estrogen/progesterone group.
2.
Although the study, after seven years, has been stopped, the
WHI Data and Safety Monitoring Board was split as to whether women
in the ET study should stop their pills or have the option to
continue their pills after being informed of the new findings.
3.
ET did not appear to increase the risk of breast
cancer
4.
ET did not appear to increase or decrease heart
disease
5.
ET decreased the risk of hip fractures
6.
ET appears to increase the risk of stroke at the same rate
found in the previous study (8 more strokes per year for every
10,000 women when compared to placebo
7.
Within the next two months, a secondary study will be
released that suggests an increased risk of probable dementia and/or
mild cognitive impairment
What does this
mean to our patients on ET? The American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists has the following recommendations:
1.
HT and ET is effective and FDA-approved for the relief of
menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats
2.
Although hormones are effective in preventing menopausal
induced osteoporosis, consider non-estrogen medications first if
given for bone health only
3.
Hormones should not be used to prevent heart disease
4.
When using hormones, the lowest effective dose and shortest
possible duration should be used.
Please call
the office at 281.893.1246 for a consultation if you have any
further questions.
