Study: Estrogen Therapy
May Delay Menopause
July 13th 2005
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Prempro |
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New Research in
the Journal of the American Medical Association surveyed women that
sopped taking combination hormone replacement therapy. This is after
possible risks were revealed in the therapy. More than half of the
women that discontinued the therapy had a recurrence of menopause
symptoms. They experienced hot flashes and or night sweats. Not
all women experience
troublesome symptoms during menopause. Researchers believe women that
took Prempro might have only postponed the menopause process.
It was found that
those women that had the most severe symptoms to start with were more
likely to have symptoms return when the therapy ended. Research is
needed to determine the most effective dosages, and if tapering off of
the medicine would work.
More than one-third
of women who reported symptoms after stopping the therapy were in their
60s and 70s. That is over 10 years older than the average age of
menopause.
Many of the women
in the study were able tackle their symptoms with simple lifestyle
changes including drinking more fluids, exercising, yoga, meditation, or
breathing exercises. Some showed success by using fans or air
conditioners.
Studies have
showed limited (if any at all) benefits from natural hormone and herbal
therapies. Women should consult their doctors before beginning or
ending such therapies.
When natural
levels of estrogen decline, women experience menopause symptoms.
Estrogen replacement therapy has been shown to provide relief for these
symptoms. Recent studies (Women's
Health Initiative study -2002) indicate there may be risk of heart
disease, stroke, breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease from the long
term therapies. This new study shows that hormone therapy may be
beneficial for women with moderate to severe symptoms of menopause and
at small dosages for a limited time.
It was believed
that menopause
symptoms subside a few years after women have their last period.
Millions of women began taking hormones to help women avoid symptoms,
although strong scientific evidence about the duration has been
lacking. This and future studies will evaluate that.
By
Dan Wilson
Best Syndication Staff Writer
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