In recent studies hormone therapy has been evaluated for its role in Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer.
Findings reported from the University of North Texas suggest that the choice of the progestogen component in combined hormone therapy is of importance in prevention of Alzheimer's disease. A consistent finding in numerous studies has shown that use of natural progestogens may protect the brain from diseases such as Alzheimer's, however, synthetic progestogens do not. Natural progestogens increase protective chemicals and proteins in the brain that synthetic progestins (medroxyprogesterone acetate) did not. Therefore, their results suggest that not all progestogens are created equally when it comes to protection against Alzheimer's disease. (1)
New research on hormone replacement and breast cancer.
A recent study from France of over 80,000 post-menopausal women between 1990 and 2002 has shed light on the various types of progestogen and breast cancer risks. Based on questionnaires, the association of estrogen-progestogen combinations with breast cancer risk varied significantly according to the type of progestogen. The findings suggested that the choice of the progestogen component in combined Hormone Therapy is of importance regarding breast cancer risk; it could be preferable to use progesterone over other progestogens.(2) Click here to read more about progestogens.
What does this mean for me?
Certainly, the use of hormone therapy during menopause is unique for each woman. Hormone therapy is the gold standard for treating bothersome symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. It is commonly recommended that hormone therapy be used at the lowest does for the shortest period of time after menopause. Recently, the use of Bio-Identical hormones has been in the news. Click here for information regarding this popular treatment option.
Hormone therapy will continue to be studied and important information will continue to be uncovered. Studies such as the two mentioned above are important to understand and review with your health care provider, as it appears that not all hormone products are equal when it comes to risks and benefits. Although more research is needed, it is becoming apparent that natural progesterone is potentially a much safer choice when deciding on which progestogen to use for hormone therapy. Bio-Identical progesterone is available as a FDA approved prescription. Click here to read about progesterone.
A thorough discussion is necessary with your health care provider regarding the risks and benefits of hormone therapy.
1. Jodhka, PK, Kaur, P, Underwood, W, Lydon, JP, & Singh, M., The differences in neuroprotective efficacy of progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate correlate with their effects on brain-derived neutrophic factor expression. Endocrinology. 2009 Jul; 150(7): 3162-8.
2. Fournier A, Berrino F, Clavel-Chapelon F. Unequal risks for breast cancer associated with different hormone replacement therapies: results from the E3N cohort study. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2008; 107(1): 103-11.
|
|
| |
The MenopauseRx
Bio-Identical Hormone Assessment Tool
Bio-Identical hormone use has become a very popular treatment option for many women with menopause symptoms. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misunderstandings about bio-identical hormones and their use during the menopause. We encourage you to take our free assessment to learn more about hormone therapy and bio-identical alternatives.
Free Bio-Identical Hormone Brochure
At the end of the assessment, you will be offered a FREE brochure to help educate about this important topic.
Click here to take the Bio-Identical Hormone Assessment
|
|
