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1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Room 122, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, 833 S. Wood St., MC 886, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. mahady@uic.edu
Nutrition Reviews
|December 24, 2005
Summary
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) effectively treats menopause symptoms but carries risks like increased heart disease and breast cancer. Women are now seeking alternative menopause treatments, such as botanical supplements.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Menopause management
- Botanical medicine
Background:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was historically the primary treatment for menopausal symptoms.
- HRT demonstrated efficacy in alleviating hot flashes, sweating, vaginal dryness, and UTIs.
- Previous research indicated HRT offered protection against colon cancer and hip fractures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established benefits and risks of HRT for menopause.
- To highlight the shift towards alternative menopause treatments due to recent findings.
- To introduce botanical dietary supplements as a potential alternative.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data, including the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study.
- Analysis of HRT's impact on menopausal symptoms and associated health risks.
- Exploration of alternative treatments, focusing on botanical supplements.
Main Results:
- HRT effectively reduces menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- Long-term HRT use is associated with increased risks of heart disease, breast cancer, and stroke.
- Significant percentages indicate increased risk: heart disease (29%), breast cancer (26%), stroke (41%).
Conclusions:
- The findings from the WHI study have raised significant concerns about the long-term safety of HRT.
- A growing number of women are seeking alternative therapies for menopause symptom management.
- Botanical dietary supplements represent a prominent area of interest for alternative menopause treatment.