The 2010 position statement by the North American Menopause Society continues to recommend hormone replacement therapy around the time of menopause but discourages long-term use. Clear indications include severe hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, pain on intercourse, high risk of osteoporosis, and possibly diminished mental capacity. HRT is not indicated in patients with uterine cancer, but studies with breast and ovarian cancer are inconclusive. HRT does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Progesterone should be used along with estrogen unless there has been a hysterectomy. Most unfortunately, the statement does not distinguish natural progesterone from synthetic. The latter is dangerous, while the natural form has considerable positive benefits. In my opinion, bio-identical hormones are safer and more effective than Premarin and other pharmaceutical products.
See Suzanne Somers (click here) books and Family Practice News (click here), April 15, 2010, p. 33.
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