2-21-06

HRT

Estrogen is now determined to be beneficial for post-menopausal women. This finding reverses an earlier study and offers positive news for women entering menopause.

Hormone replacement therapy provides benefits for women entering menopause says a new study conducted by the Women’s Health Initiative. Findings in this new study confirm what we knew before about estrogen helping prevent heart disease, says Dr. William Schultz, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.

SOUND BITE: " . . . it has been observed for years, that women pre-menopausally, unless they are heavy smokers or have underlying heart disease, almost never have heart attack. After menopause, the risk of women having heart disease very rapidly catches up with men of similar ages."

Dr. Schultz says estrogen has a positive effect on women who suffer from specific symptoms, especially hot flashes and sleep disturbances. He explains other benefits of estrogen.

SOUND BITE: "There’s no question about the positive effects of estrogen on maintenance of bone mass and that probably is the single most beneficial – a fact that can be medically proven. We also think that many women who take estrogens tell us that they have a feeling of well being – that it just generally makes them feel better when they are on estrogens . . ."

Dr. Schultz says hormone replacement therapy is generally safe for most women who have symptoms. They should see their primary care physician or gynecologist to discuss whether hormone replacement therapy is right for them.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.