A new study published in JAMA included 161,808 women aged 50 to 79 who were followed for up to 20 years to analyze the effects of hormone therapy. Participants in the study received oral treatment and researchers compared the cardiovascular health of those who received hormone treatment with those who received a placebo. The findings did not support the use of hormone therapy to prevent cardiovascular disease, stroke or dementia. They added that the therapy significantly increased the incidence of breast cancer.
The scientists did find that this treatment helped reduce vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes or fluctuation in blood pressure in women in early menopause. Some researchers say that hormone therapy should be used symptomatically, for example, for vasomotor symptoms. In the postmenopausal years, women’s bodies become more chemically aligned with men and, therefore, professionals should treat symptoms accordingly.
Researchers also found a decreased risk of heart disease in women who took hormone therapy in past studies. Due to this professional have recommended against the use of hormone replacement therapy for heart disease prevention for quite some time now. Data on hormone therapy and calcium supplementation over the years has been a roller coaster. One study shows it works and another shows it doesn’t which is why this study is important since it is a conglomeration of data that has been accumulating for years.
This data is conclusive that hormone therapy should be used symptomatically, for example, for vasomotor symptoms. But it is also clear it does not prevent cardiovascular disease. In the postmenopausal years, women’s bodies become more chemically aligned with men and, therefore one should treat symptoms accordingly. Overall, this is a great study and provides very helpful information for treating women in the different stages of menopause.
Researchers recommended that cardiovascular risk reduction in postmenopausal women can be done by following a heart-healthy diet , getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding abuse of substances.
Perimenopause is a period of transition and transformation for women, characterized by hormonal fluctuations affecting various parts of the body, including the brain. Research has linked these hormonal changes to conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), and PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which may heighten the risk of anxiety and depression. It’s crucial to destigmatize these experiences and offer support to women during this significant life phase.
