Dear Friends:

Last week there was more bad news about synthetic estrogen-progestin pills (Prempro) used in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study.  This latest release, while understandably alarming to many women, is not new.  It is, in fact, "beating a dead hormone."  If you have been with me for some time, you know that synthetic hormones are associated with harmful effects.

Let's take a look at what you need to know about this information. 

This latest analysis is another look at data from the WHI study that was halted a year ago.  If you recall, the study was cut short because the synthetic combination of conjugated horse estrogens and progestin used in the research was shown to increase incidence of heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer.  In examining the data further, scientists now find that women who took the synthetic combination for an average of five years developed breast tumors at an increased rate. 

As if that isn't enough, the tumors may be more difficult to detect.  Estrogen causes breast tissue to proliferate and become denser, making tumors more difficult to find, either with a self-exam or a mammogram.  This means that by the time the tumors are discovered, they may be larger.

The news reports  designed to be sensational  were misleading.  The media coverage failed to clarify that the Women's Health Initiative study involves only Prempro, a single SYNTHETIC medication.  Instead, the reports talked about "hormones" in general, as if they are all alike, and as if they all cause cancer.  This simply isn't so. 

The coverage of the Women's Health Initiative is a continuing source of frustration for me.  Women are justifiably alarmed when they read that "hormones" in general are associated with life-threatening diseases, and they believe, falsely, that their only alternatives now are either to "tough out" uncomfortable symptoms of hormonal imbalance or try herbal remedies. 

Remember, you have many HRT choices beyond harmful synthetics like Prempro, Provera, and Premphase.   

Those of you who have called and talked to me over the years, attended my presentations, or read my book, The HRT Solution, are aware that all hormones are not alike.  For years I have sounded the warning bell about the use of synthetic hormones like Prempro, which are blithely prescribed to women at standardized, "one size fits all" dosages. 

Synthetic hormones have a different chemical structure from natural hormones, and different effects in the body.  Natural hormones are chemically identical to the hormones your body produces.  They are prescription medications, and are used successfully to manage symptoms of PMS, perimenopause, and menopause.  Unlike the synthetics such as Prempro, natural hormones are often better tolerated.   And, because natural hormones can be prescribed at low doses tailored to your hormone levels, there can be maximum benefit with the lowest possible dose. 

Unless you are using Prempro, the findings from the WHI study really do not apply to your situation.  If you are considering HRT and want to know more about the differences between natural and synthetic hormones, click here for more information.

The ongoing, inaccurate assertion that women's hormones are somehow harmful is based on entirely false logic.  Our hormones are the essence of who we are, and an essential part of the continuation of our species.  The hormones that our bodies make are have been natural to us for millions of years.

On the other hand, synthetic hormones  chemically altered, packaged and sold as Prempro or other products, prescribed in standardized dosages that are often too high  are clearly to be avoided.

New Education Service from Women's Health America!

Sign up for our new free six-week course on PMS, Perimenopause, or Menopause.  Visit our website at http://www.womenshealth.com and subscribe today!

If you are a health professional, please contact us at 1-800-558-7046 for information about referring patients to our programs.

We encourage you to visit our updated website on PMS that includes symptom evaluation, easy-to-read information about PMS, and treatment options at http://www.womenshealth.com

To your good health,

Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph.
Founder and CEO, Women's Health America
Author, The HRT Solution (with John Kells)


PS:  For a full discussion of natural hormone alternatives, click here for information about my book, The HRT Solution or go to:  http://www.womenshealth.com

Women's Health America
1289 Deming Way
Madison, Wi 53717
www.womenshealth.com
1-800-558-7046 toll-free voice number
1-888-898-7412 fax

Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational use only and is not intended for
diagnostic purposes.  Please consult with your health care provider for
further information.