 I just read a recent study published in the United Kingdom claiming that the results of the Million Woman study (also published in the UK) may have overestimated the risk of breast cancer related to Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This news has been picked up by papers in England and is creating a lot of buzz, but I’m not so sure this “news” is all it’s hyped up to be.
Since around 2002 when the results of the Women’s Health Initiative (and the Million Women Study) came out, women around the world stopped taking hormones for their menopause symptoms. They feared the associated risks of breast cancer, cardiovascular events, blood clots, cognitive decline, and more. Several research studies have reanalyzed the data and there’s been heavy debate over the risks associated with HRT.
In my opinion, the decision to take hormones is a personal one that should be made by each woman and her healthcare provider. This new study doesn’t change that. I particularly like the quote from Dr. Susie Jennings, Senior Policy Officer at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, published in the Telegraph. She says:
“Many studies have shown that HRT increases the risk of breast cancer and this study does not change that. It does suggest the risks may, in some instances, have been slightly overstated. However, we know that the risk of breast cancer starts to decrease as soon as a woman stops taking HRT. Anyone who has concerns about HRT should speak with their doctor…”
As many women already know, HRT doesn’t come in just one flavor. There are synthetic vs. bioidentical hormones, and there are pills vs. creams, and sublingual melts. These choices may all be weighed against the risks and benefits of HRT.
Here are some guidelines to consider with your healthcare provider when weighing the risks and benefits of HRT:
- Are you less than 60 years old?
- Are you close to menopause and still having symptoms?
- Does your personal history include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or liver disease?
- Is your quality of life being seriously compromised by your symptoms?
I feel confident about the fact that most women are very savvy about HRT now and have made up their minds about what’s right for them. Each case is individual. The key is to feel good about your health and your decisions, and that certainly doesn’t involve overreacting to every study that you hear about on the news, or jumping to scary conclusions. Always aim to work with a trusted healthcare provider to help you decide what’s exactly right for you. And remember, you get a say in everything.
If you’d like to learn more, see our articles on HRT.
References:
Shapiro, S, et al. 2012. Does hormone replacement therapy cause breast cancer? An application of causal principles to three studies. J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care. URL: http://jfprhc.bmj.com/content/early/2012/01/08/jfprhc-2011-100229.short?g=w_jfprhc_ahead_tab
Smith, R. 2012. HRT link to breast cancer ‘flawed’. The Telegraph. URL: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9017783/HRT-link-to-breast-cancer-flawed.html. |