The Women’s Health Initiative study found that women taking
combined hormone therapy (also called postmenopausal hormone therapy or hormone
replacement therapy) to manage menopausal symptoms may have a higher risk of
breast cancer. Combined hormone therapy is a combination of estrogen and
progestin (a form of progesterone made in a laboratory). It is used to help
women cope with menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis. Hormone therapy
with estrogen alone is only given to women who have had a hysterectomy (the
removal of the uterus) because estrogen increases the risk of uterine cancer.
The Women’s Health Initiative
also found that women taking combined hormone therapy had a higher risk of
heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. However, they had a lower risk of
colorectal cancer and bone fractures. Because of these risks, many doctors
recommend that women do not take combined hormone therapy or only take low
doses for a short time. Combined hormone therapy is not usually recommended for
women with a history of breast cancer or those who have a higher risk of breast
cancer.
Recent research also showed
that women who received combined hormone therapy have a higher risk of dying of
non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) if they develop the disease. However, woman
in the study taking combined hormone therapy were not more likely to develop
NSCLC than women who were not taking combined hormone therapy. The study also
showed that the risk of dying from lung cancer was higher for women with NSCLC
who smoke and take combined hormone therapy.
Research on combined hormone
therapy is controversial and ongoing. The risks and benefits of the treatment
are different for each woman. If you are considering hormone therapy for
menopausal symptoms, it is important to talk with your doctor about your
symptoms, medical history, and your options for relieving the symptoms,
including the risks and benefits and how long you should take hormone therapy.
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