Hormone replacement therapy still excellent choice for many women, says US investigator
Hormone replacement therapy continues to be an excellent choice for the treatment of menopause-related symptoms for many women, according to Susan Johnson, of the University of Iowa and an investigator for the US Women's Health Initiative study.
One part of the WHI study looked at the effects of combination HRT on
chronic diseases and showed that this type of therapy put women at increased
risk for heart attacks, breast cancer and strokes (PJ, 13 July 2002,
p43, and 22 February 2003, p258).
Dr Johnson made her comments while taking part in a panel discussion
on how research informs health decisions at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual meeting last week. She argued,
along with other members of the panel, that clinicians must take the
time to help women with severe menopause symptoms to balance the risks
and benefits of HRT. “We’re saying that physicians have to
learn more about their patients’ risk profile,” she added. “In
my clinical practice, I’m putting a lot of women back on HRT.”
Dr Johnson pointed out that in the past, clinicians recommended HRT for
the treatment of menopause and some other conditions. “Now, several
therapeutic options need to be presented to women who prefer not to use
hormones, and more time must be spent in considering risk factors and
prevention options for osteoporosis, heart disease and other conditions.” |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal