Menopause & Menstruation
New Worrisome Questions About Estrogen!

For years we've been told that women who are on estrogen replacement therapy have substantially lower risks of heart disease. Because of this important health benefit, many doctors recommend H.R.T (Hormone Replacement Therapy) fully realizing that this meant increased risk of breast or uterine cancer to their patients. However, a major new study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, contradicts previous findings.

The HERS study concludes that women who already have coronary disease get no benefit from H.R.T. Quite the contrary, these women are in fact 50% more likely to suffer a heart attack or other coronary complications in the first year of taking hormones. Additionally, the study also confirmed that hormone users had a higher rate of blood clots in the legs, lungs and more gallbladder problems. The study did not identify what, if any, protective coronary benefits women without coronary disease get from hormone replacement therapy.

On the plus side: hormone replacement lowers the risk of osteoporosis. However, there are new drugs available such as Raloxifene that offer protection against osteoporosis without increased cancer risks. If you can't or won't take hormones (estrogen replacement) but suffer from vaginal dryness causing discomfort during lovemaking you can be helped instantly. Remember to use an intimate moisturizing lubricant and don't take unnecessary risks.

I recommend an intimate moisturizer that is hormone free, pH balanced, gynecologist tested and approved. It should relieve dryness instantly so you and your partner can enjoy intimacy as long and as often as you want without discomfort.

The bottom line: hormones are potent drugs. It is increasingly evident that the cancer risks for women on hormone replacement therapy are far higher than originally believed. It is of great importance to discuss these issues in depth with your doctor. There are a number of alternatives available today, including appropriate diet and exercise and natural supplements. Take the time to understand your options. It's your body, your life and you have the ability to make it better and happier.

Jacqui

Copyright 2000 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved.

Back to Menopause & Mensturation Q & A