Sitting On The Hormone Fence

Still on the fence about whether or not to use HRT ? Here's some news that might help you make up your mind.

A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that risks appear to outweigh the benefits for most women.

In a 3 year follow up of some 16,000 women from the WHI (Women's Health Initiative) trial, doctors found that the risk for "all cancers" were higher in the women who used hormones. Although the margin was small - barely statistically significant - still, the increase was there.

In terms of bone health, the news was also disappointing: The protective effects experienced while the women used hormones did not carry over after they stopped. So, even short term use is not likely to benefit bone health in the long run.

If you were taking hormones - and stopped - the good news here is that the study found the increased risk for cardiovascular events seen during the trial dissipated after the women stopped the treatments.

The overall conclusion by the study group: The risks occurring from hormone therapy are greater than the health benefits.

If you're on the fence about whether or not to try HRT - come down. Take a breath. Relax. And buy a shiny new pair of red high heels. I promise you, all the troubling symptoms you're experiencing now will pass . . .