| Personal Care Corner | |
HRT Information
by Carrie A. Corson, from the August 2002 newsletter
The following information was taken from a statement released by Emerita, maker
of the best-selling line of women's products, including the progesterone cream,
Pro-Gest. This statement was released in response to the news that the Women's
Health Initiative study of HRT was being halted. We feel that the information
contained in this statement is important to our customers who may have questions
regarding synthetic HRT versus natural alternatives to HRT. The following information
is being re-printed with the permission of Emerita.
On July 9th 2002, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that the Women's Health Initiative study of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was halted due to increased risk of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke. The 16,000 + healthy postmenopausal women in the study have been advised to stop the combination of conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate (brand name PremPro) because the overall health risks outweigh the benefits. While the risks are statistically significant, it is important to note that they affected only a small number of the study participants.
It is important to recognize that the results of this study may not apply to different forms of HRT, other oral and transdermal estrogens, progestins, or progesterone. It is also important to understand the difference between synthetic progestins, such as the medroxyprogesterone acetate that was used in the study, and natural progesterone, which was not used in the study. Natural progesterone refers to a molecule that is identical to the progesterone molecule that the body makes. Pro-Gest is a natural progesterone cream and was not used in this NIH study. Pro-Gest has been clinically studied. For more information on these studies, please call 1-877-966-7477, or visit our Web site at www.emerita.com.
HRT is prescribed for the relief of acute menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. However, menopausal symptoms can often be effectively addressed with options other than HRT.
A recent clinical study evaluating the effectiveness of topically applied progesterone cream demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in hot flashes reported by postmenopausal women. Phytoestrogenic herbs (phytoestrogens) have also been shown to support hormone balance during the menopause transition. These herbs do not contain estrogen, but have constituents (phytoestrogens) that are structurally similar to estrogen and can provide estrogen-like effects in the body. Red Clover isoflavones, Black Cohosh, and Alfalfa have all been shown to promote the relief of menopausal symptoms including hot flashes.
While researchers and clinicians are emphasizing that women on HRT shouldn't panic, some of them are advising that the long-term use of this particular HRT regimen should be discontinued. The choice of taking HRT lies with each individual and needs to be weighed in terms of the risks and potential benefits. Medication changes should be discussed with a physician. If the decision is made to discontinue HRT, it is important to gradually reduce dosages, as an abrupt cessation can lead to a rebound of symptoms. While reducing HRT, natural progesterone and/or phytoestrogen herbs can be started to help with promoting hormone balance.
A wide variety of phytoestrogen herbs can be found at the Co-op. Some of the most popular products are: Emerita's phytoestrogen cream, as well as their menopause formula tablets which are a blend of the herbs black cohosh and red clover; Moscow Food Co-op's Menopause Formula; Menoremin from Nature's Life; and Earth Wisdom Herbals' Vitex Plus and Black Cohosh Plus extracts. We also carry Emerita's Pro-Gest and Zand's progesterone creams. As ever, consult with a health care professional before starting any treatment program.
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