A new breast cancer risk has been reported for women taking hormone pills. Findings from a study of 70,000 nurses conclude that older women on hormone pills that combine estrogen and testosterone more than double their risk of breast cancer. Prior to these findings, there was already evidence that certain types of hormone supplements, such as estrogen-progestin pills, increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer, strokes and heart attacks. In addition, women with higher natural levels of testosterone are considered to be at greater risk of developing breast cancer.
Data from a long-running Nurses’ Health Study revealed that women who took estrogen and testosterone after menopause had a 2 1/2 times higher risk of developing breast cancer than women who never took hormones. Most of the women taking the combination used the brand Estratest, by Solvay Pharmaceuticals of Marietta, Georgia. The researchers took into account other breast cancer risk factors, such as family history, weight and age at menopause and still found an increased risk associated with estrogen-testosterone pills.
Because of breast cancer risk, Estratest, along with Estratest H.S., appear on a Washington-based advocacy group’s “Worst Pills” list. Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, which produces the Worst Pills list strongly urges women to not use this product or any other product that combines these hormones.
A woman’s natural level of estrogen and testosterone declines with menopause. Because of this, many women use this type of hormone therapy to ease hot flashes, improve mood and libido and to help prevent osteoporosis. Study co-author Rulla Tamimi of Harvard Medical School stated that the risks of developing breast cancer may outweigh the benefits of this type of therapy.
SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, July 2006
Two reactions have occurred during this earth shattering information about synthetic hormone replacement and women’s health. 1. Doctors have taken women off of the medication and have just left them out to dry. 2. Some doctors are starting to move people back to synthetic hormone replacement. Here is the problem: nothing else has been tried. In each of these cases it is prudent to try simple soy support, wild yam or herbs to help balance you during and after menopause. Many women find them successful, but many just don’t know where to start so they don’t. What a terrible shame that so many women go around with these terrible symptoms and no one is reaching out to help. Just know there are others like me that help these types of cases and have had success doing so. Lastly, my biggest concern is teenagers with abnormal periods that are being put on birth control. How many years will we have to wait to see how detrimental this is to them? Keep this in mind, it will raise its ugly head in our lifetime.
God Bless,
Dr. Benzinger
