Researchers have uncovered another risk for HRT users. In this case, post-menopausal women who are taking Estrogen only (only women who have had hysterectomies can take this type of therapy) are actually doubling their chances of getting non-cancerous breast lumps. Well, you say, besides the worry that goes along with breast biopsies, what’s the problem if it’s non-cancerous? Apparently, there is a particular type of benign breast lump - called benign proliferative breast disease - that may be the first step towards developing cancer further down the road.
Even if you don’t fall in this estrogen-only category, this latest research serves as a reminder that the jury is still out on what, if any, is a safe dose of HRT whether it is a combination of Estrogen and Progestin or Estrogen alone.
These findings, which are published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, were the result of a re-examination of the data from the landmark Women’s Health Initiative study that revealed a number of health risks from long-term hormone therapy.
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I heard about this too. Who cares if it’s cancerous or not (certainly I’d prefer if it’s not) but, truly, any lump, growth, whatever can affect the body. I wouldn’t want any of it.
I saw some suggestions for alternative health treatments in your blog/comments and want to add one more site that I rely on: http://www.WomentoWomen.com. I have started their personal program to help with my symptoms and hormonal issues associated with menopause. It is really helping!!
Anyway, you can get more information about alternative treatments for HRT, menopause, and hormonal problems from their site.
Thanks for your comment, Linda. I agree that Women to Women is an excellent site. I have linked to it several times and have it listed in my BlogRoll. I’m glad that their program is helping you.
As someone going through a very difficult menopause I felt forced to try HRT, three different doctors prescribing different dosages, and many.side effects Iater I stopped taking them and returned to natural therapies, finally having success.
We have been hearing for a while now about the dangers of taking HRT after menopause, thank heavens for the research now available to women so they can educate themselves.
Thanks for your comment, Liz. I’m glad to hear that you’re finding relief and feeling better with natural therapies. You’re right - there’s so much more information available to us these days making it easier to do our homework before filling any prescription.
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