WASHINGTON, DC August 5, 1998 -- Prometrium® synthesized from yams,
will be the first natural "micronized" progesterone to be
widely available in pharmacies. Prometrium is identical to the
progesterone produced by the body. and should eventually replace the
progestins now on the market. Prometrium is a product of Solvay
Pharmaceutical.
For more information see
Progesterone
: Natural or Synthetic?
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Estrogen may reduce risk of diabetes
CHICAGO, IL Jul 23, 1998 -- Four new estrogen studies were presented
at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association. One study
showed that women who took estrogen therapy after menopause had a five
times reduction in their risk of developing adult onset diabetes. Two
more studies, involving over 15,000 women, showed that women with
diabetes on HRT had better control of their blood sugar than diabetics
not on HRT. These are preliminary findings and prospective studies need
to be done. However you and your doctor may want to consider these
findings when deciding if you should be on HRT.
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Two-Thirds of American Women Age 40 and Over Don't Know Much About
Sex Hormones
University of Cincinnati Launches Program to Help Close the
Knowledge Gap
San Francisco, CA - October, 1998 -- In just over a year, 50 million
American women will have reached menopause.
A surprising new survey finds the majority of them are not prepared for
this major life milestone. Sixty-four percent could not name the
hormones that play a key role in the onset of menopause, according to a
Yankelovich survey conducted for the University of Cincinnati and
presented today at the 54th American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Forty-four percent said they did not
know much about estrogen, and a remarkable 65% said the same about
progesterone, which is the second most important sex hormone for women.
These statistics suggest a troubling knowledge gap among the millions
of women expected to reach menopause by the year 2000 and who are, or
will soon be, making decisions about hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
"The vast majority of women entering menopause could benefit from
taking HRT, yet fewer than 25% of these women are actually doing so. I
think much of this can be attributed to the lack of awareness about the
health role that hormones play for women, especially as they reach
menopause," says Dr. Robert W. Rebar, professor and chairman of
Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Cincinnati College of
Medicine. According to the survey, women age 40 and over are divided in
their feelings about trying hormone replacement therapy. Regardless of
whether or not they have experience with the therapy, 42% say they would
use HRT if entering menopause today, while 41% said they would not.
Many women who might benefit from HRT are not convinced they need it.
Of the women who said they would not take HRT if they became menopausal
today, 18% said they didn't think it was necessary; another 32% wouldn't
take it, but aren't sure why. Twenty percent of the women who would not
take HRT cited side effects as deterrents. Eleven percent cited fear of
the risks associated with HRT, even though the benefits of HRT are
well-established.
Why Women - and Their Physicians - Should Find Knowledge Gap
Disturbing
As a woman enters menopause, levels of naturally-produced estrogen and
progesterone drop sharply, often causing hot flashes, mood swings,
vaginal dryness, and irritability. HRT can be prescribed to alleviate
these symptoms. It can also provide protection from cardiovascular
disease and osteoporosis, both of which can result from diminished
hormone levels. In addition, estrogen has been studied for prevention
against Alzheimer's disease and its anti-aging benefits. A study
published last year in the Journal of the American Medical Association
estimated that for more than 99% of healthy perimenopausal women, the
benefits of HRT outweigh the risks.
Information Overload, But Little "Knowledge"
Despite lots of media coverage about menopause in the past decade, women
are not as knowledgeable about key research findings and new treatment
options as might be expected. Nearly half (46%) of the women said they
do not know or are not sure about which hormones are commonly prescribed
in HRT.
"This is surprising, considering that the Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin
Intervention Trial (PEPI) was among the most widely publicized research
studies of the last decade," said Dr. Rebar. "PEPI showed,
among other things, that combination therapy of estrogen and progestogen
(HRT) demonstrates preventive effects on osteoporosis and cardiovascular
diseases."
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DHEA and risk of breast cancer
Columbia, MO. July 3, 1998 -- DHEA has been the subject of several
popular books and news articles lately. Some studies report that it may
have benefits in improving mood, mental functioning, bone density and
immune function in post menopausal women. DHEA does decline after
menopause. Let's remember a prospective case-control study on over 200
samples. DHEA was measured in the blood of 71 healthy postmenopausal
women who were not taking estrogen and developed breast cancer up to 10
years later. These blood samples were compared with matched women who
did not develop breast cancer. The findings showed that women with the
highest levels of DHEA were the most likely to develop breast cancer.
The higher the DHEA the greater the risk of cancer. These results are
sobering and should be taken into consideration before you self medicate
with this over the counter hormone.
Dorgan JF, et al : Relationship of Serum dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEA), DHEA Sulfate, and 5-androsterone-3-beta,17betadiol to the risk
of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Cancer Epid Biomarkers
Prevention 6 :177-81, 1997.
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Vitamin E for hot flashes a New Study
NEW YORK, NY June 23 1998 -- As we have reported before, there were
two studies on vitamin E and hot flashes in the 1940's. We have been
waiting for 50 years for more information. Now a double-blind,
placebo-controlled study of vitamin E therapy for hot flashes in breast
cancer survivors is in. The study used 800 IU a day for 4 weeks. The
results showed that vitamin E reduced hot flashes by 25% the placebo
reduced hot flashes by 22%. Vitamin E was only 3% more effective than
placebo. Not very encouraging.
J Clin Oncol 16; 495-500, 1998
For more information CLICK HERE :
VITAMIN E
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VIAGRA® What can it do for you?
LOS ANGELES, CA June 15, 1998 -- OB-GYN NEWS Reports Viagra's
potential in women draws interest. Apparently since news of Viagra's
HUGE success in men has hit the press women are asking, can it help me?.
Viagra is known to enhance blood flow to "erectile tissue", in
men erectile tissue is located in the penis. Women have erectile tissue
too, in the clitoris. Will increasing blood flow to the clitoris have an
impact on sexual functioning in women? Many postmenopausal women report
a decrease in sexual response. No data exists for Viagras effect in
women. Pfizer, the manufacturer is sponsoring a study involving several
hundred women in Europe to determine if there is a place for Viagra in
treating female sexual dysfunction. Keep watching for news from Europe
on Viagra in women.
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Estrogen linked to reduction in colon cancer risk
INDIAN WELLS, CA June 12, 1998 -- Post menopausal women who used
estrogen had a 20% lower risk of developing colon cancer than women who
never used estrogen. This is a new finding in more than 7,000 women.
This study confirms 9 previous studies that have looked at women using
estrogen and the risk of colon cancer. This study was presented at the
annual meeting of the Pacific Coast Fertility Society.
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More evidence that estrogen maintains mental functioning
New York, N.Y. June 3, 1998 -- A new study just published in
Neurology
(1998;50:368-373)
gives more evidence for a protective effect of estrogen on brain
function in postmenopausal women. Researchers at the Columbia University
College of Physicians & Surgeons evaluated 727 postmenopausal women.
There findings were significant.The women who had ever taken
hormone-replacement therapy scored higher on standard tests of mental
functioning than women who had never taken the therapy. We will be
hearing more about estrogen and it's effects on the brain, memory and
intelligence as this is a hot new area for research. Most of the first
studies are showing a positive effect.
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Doctors Not Discussing a Number of the Health Risks Associated with
Menopause SACRAMENTO, CA May 27, 1998 -- Does this sup rise anyone?
According to a just completed survey of California women age 40 - 64, a
large proportion of California women has not discussed with their health
provider many of the disease risks associated with menopause and the
treatments and health promotion strategies available. While many women
have discussed exercise (57 percent) or hormone replacement therapy (52
percent) with their health provider, that leaves 42 percent and 47
percent respectively who have not discussed these components of
prevention and treatment. In addition, less than half have discussed
calcium supplements, nutrition, vitamin supplements or other medications
for the treatment and prevention of diseases and symptoms associated
with menopause (such as osteoporosis and heart disease). Large
majorities of the surveyed women get a significant amount of their
health information from the media. Forty-one percent get their
information from magazines, 29 percent from television, 17 percent from
newspapers and 8 percent from radio.
According to Karen Bodenhorn, President and CEO of the California Center
for Health Improvement, "This is a significant finding and
highlights the critical role the media plays in disseminating health
information to women who make the majority of health decisions for
themselves and their families. This information arms women with the
information they need to then turn to their own health care providers
for specific and personal advice."
The statewide telephone survey of 657 California women age 40 - 64
was conducted April 14 - May 12, 1998 for the Foundation for
Osteoporosis Research and Education by The Field Institute and the
California Center for Health Improvement. Prevention for
Menopause-Related Health Risks Is Critical. Fifty-nine percent of the
women in the surveyed age group were at menopause or were
postmenopausal. After the onset of menopause and the corresponding loss
of estrogen, women are at increased risk of developing a number of
diseases, including osteoporosis and heart disease. Nutrition, exercise
and access to medical treatment can prevent the consequences of these
diseases. According to the findings, in some cases women are getting
preventive treatment information and acting on it. For instance, 77
percent of women surveyed had mammograms within the last two years, but
an extremely small percentage (10 percent) were given bone density
scans. The survey findings indicate many women have made some changes,
or are willing to make changes for their health. Specifically, they
indicated a willingness to change their diet (79 percent), increase
their amount of exercise (72 percent), or use herbal remedies, daily
vitamins or mineral supplements (69 percent) for conditions associated
with menopause. Willingness to take such preventive health steps
includes large majorities of both pre- and post-menopausal women and
cuts across all racial/ethnic subgroups of the California population.
"Why haven't doctors discussed the full range of menopause-related
prevention and treatment options with these women? Clearly, women want
to age well. To assist in meeting this goal, new policies-including
policies targeting public and medical education and continuing
education- need to be established," said Bodenhorn.
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Kava Kava and Menopause
PARACELUS DIGEST, May 18,1998 -- In a randomized, placebo-controlled
double-blind study, two groups each containing 20 patients with
menopause-related symptomology were treated for a period of 8 weeks with
kava extract 3 X 100 mg/day or a placebo preparation. Kava is an
Polynesian herb used for centuries in social ceremonies and more
recently, in the west for anxiety. The overall score of anxiety
symptomology revealed a significant difference in the drug-receiving
group vis-a-vis the placebo group already after only 1 week of
treatment. Improvement in depressive mood, subjective well-being
(patient diary), severity of the disease, and the climacteric
symptomology over the overall period of treatment demonstrates a high
level of effectiveness of kava extract in neuro vegetative and
psychosomatic dysfunctions in the climacteric, associated with very good
tolerance of the preparation.
Psychosomatic dysfunctions in the female climacteric. Clinical
effectiveness and tolerance of Kava Extract WS 1490. Fortschr Med 1991
Feb 10;109(4):119-122. Warnecke G
For more information CLICK HERE :
KAVA
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The Women's Health Initiative
WASHINGTON, May 14, 1998 -- The Women's Health Initiative is a
eight-year federally funded study of postmenopausal women. It is now in
its fourth year. The study is following 124,000 women in forty centers
in the U.S. Women between the ages of 60 and 79 are still needed. You
can help determine what the effects of diet, HRT, calcium and vitamin D
are on heart disease cancer and osteoporosis If you are interested,
please call toll free, 800-54-WOMEN.
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Tamoxifen prevents breast cancer, but at what cost?
BETHESDA, MD. May 6, 1998 -- Tamoxifen (Nolvadex®)is a SERM (Selective
Estrogen Receptor Modulator), similar to a new drug called Evista®
which you may have read about here. Tamoxifen has been used for several
years in women who have had breast cancer to prevent reoccurrences. Now
the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial reports on more than 13,000 women at
high risk of developing breast cancer who took tamoxifen. The study
showed a 45% reduction in breast cancer among women taking tamoxifen
however they had a higher risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer and blood
clots in the lungs two of which were fatal. Physicians were advised
against quickly starting women on tamoxifen until the data could be
further analyzed. It may be in the near future that certain women who
are at high risk of breast cancer and low risk of endometrial cancer or
who have had a hysterectomy may be put on tamoxifen, Evista® or a
similar drug.
For more information on Breast Cancer click here
Womens
Cancer Network
For more information on Evista® click here
EVISTA
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Vitamin D deficiency more common then thought
BOSTON, MA. May 1,1998 -- Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital
reporting in The New England Journal of Medicine have found high
rates of vitamin D deficiency in patients not at risk for vitamin
deficiencies. In the study, 42% of 77 patients at age 44, on average,
were found to have low levels of vitamin D. Surprisingly 37% of the
patients found to have low levels of vitamin D reported that they
consumed at least the recommended amount of vitamin D for their age
group. We know low levels of vitamin D can worsen osteoarthritis and
contribute to osteoporosis. Perhaps more Americans should consider
vitamin D supplementation.
For more information see :
Calcium and
Vitamin D.
Multiple
vitamins.
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Topical Progesterone Cream Can Cause Overdose
KENT, WA. April 7, 1998 -- Information released today from a major
hormone testing lab indicates women using topical progesterone cream may
be over dosing on it. In a letter to the editor of The Journal of
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Michael Farhat, M.D. of
Diagnos-Techs, Inc. reports on two women using progesterone cream as
prescribed resulting in abnormally high progesterone levels. These high
levels can result in water retention, breast engorgment and mild to
moderate depression. Dr.Farhat recommends that women using progesterone
creams should be closely monitored for over dosage.
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New Low Dose Estrogen Approved for Osteoporosis Treatment
MARIETTA, GA. March 21, 1998 -- Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced
today that it received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration to market the lowest oral estrogen dose -- 0.3 mg
ESTRATAB (Esterified Estrogens Tablets, USP) -- for the prevention of
osteoporosis. In a two-year clinical trial, women on 0.3 mg ESTRATAB
Tablets -- esterified estrogens synthesized from soy and yam plant
sources -- showed increased bone mineral density over baseline in the
spine, hip and whole body. Women taking the low dose also experienced
fewer side effects, such as headache, nausea, breast tenderness, and
vaginal bleeding, than women on higher doses.
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Alternative Medicine Conference touches on women's health Issues
BOSTON, MA. March 7,1999 -- Researchers, Physicians, Nurses and
Government officials gathered in Boston this week to discuss the
"scientific basis of alternative medicine". Most of the
research presented centered on acupuncture, therapeutic message,
homeopathy and herbs. Several herbs were discussed as alternatives to
estrogen for menopausal symptoms. The herbs were
chasteberry
for hot flashes, St.
John's Wort for irritability, and
valerian
for insomnia. Dr. Andrew Weil felt that
Kava
the Polynesian intoxicant, will replace St. John's Wort as the most
talked about herb this year. Kava is used as a mild tranquilizer and
sleep aid.
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Soy Food May Help Hot Flashes
BOLOGNA, ITALY March 1, 1998 -- Eating tofu and other soy foods which
contain Phytoestrogens
may decrease hot flashes during menopause. Postmenopausal women who do
not want to take HRT may be able control their hot flashes by
supplementing their diet with soy protein. Dr. Domenico De Aloysio of
the University of Bologna reports that in 51 women studied, hot flashed
decreased by 45% after 12 weeks of eating 60g of soy protein a day.Obstetrics
& Gynecology (1998;91:5-11).
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Hormone Replacement Therapy may Fight Hardening of the Arteries
CHICAGO, IL. February 18, 1998 -- HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) has
been associated with a decreased risk of coronary artery disease in
postmenopausal women. Researchers at Rush Heart Institute and the
University of Illinois reported on 899 women. All women underwent a new
type of x-ray called electron beam tomography. This new scan can measure
how much calcium is in the arteries of the heart. The women not on HRT
had more calcium than women on HRT. Less calcium is associated with less
plaque and less heart disease. This is another study in favor of HRT
since heart disease is the number one killer of women in The United
States. Am Heart J 1997; 134 115-119.
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Risk of Heart Disease in WOMEN reduced by vitamin B6 and
folate
BOSTON, MA. February 3, 1998 -- Finally a study on heart disease in
WOMEN. In this weeks issue of The Journal of the American Medical
Association Data from the Nurses Health Study including over 80,000
women has been analyzed with respect to vitamin B6 and Folate.
The data suggests that a daily intake of folate and vitamin B6
GREATER than the current recommended dietary allowance may be important
in the prevention of heart disease in women. Of the over 80,000 women
reviewed, those who had the highest intake of folate and vitamin B6
had the lowest incidence of heart disease. What does this mean? There
may be changes in the RDA within the next year for vitamin B6
and folate. But why wait? The highest intake of vitamin B6
and folate which was associated with a decrease in heart disease is
easily obtainable with a vitamin B supplement. At this point the only
risk is to your pocketbook. The benefits may be tremendous.
For more information click on the following
Vitamin
B6 and Folate.
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Calcium plus Estrogen - Better than Estrogen alone ?
NEW YORK, N.Y. January 22, 1998 -- Postmenopausal women who add
supplemental calcium to an estrogen regimen gain significantly more bone
mass than women using estrogen or calcium alone, according to findings
from a meta-analysis of studies that measured bone mass in
postmenopausal women. Dr Jeri W. Nieves at Columbia University in New
York included 31 published studies in the meta-analysis. They found that
by adding calcium to a regimen of estrogen bone mass in the arm
increased two and a half times greater then with estrogen alone over a
one year period. Am J Clin Nutr 1998;67 18-24,5-6.
See
Calcium.
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Ginseng has positive effect on quality of life for postmenopausal
women.
GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN. January 8, 1998 -- As many as 40% of women in Sweden
reported the use of herbal compounds for relief of their menopausal
symptoms. Ginseng's impact on quality of life was compared with placebo
( sugar pill ) over a 16 week period on 382 postmenopausal women.
Ginseng provided better overall symptomatic relief then placebo. There
was no improvement in frequency of hot flashes. This is another good
European study that needs to be elaborated on with a larger population.
Free
Communication : Abstracts from the Eighth Annual Meeting of the North
American Menopause Society Menopause: 4,4; 243, 1997.
See
Korean
Ginseng.
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Postmenopausal Depression and Anxiety improved by Hormone Replacement
MODENA, ITALY January 1, 1998 -- Researchers at two Italian Universities
report that the decline in "mood" or "well-being"
scores on standard psychological tests taken by postmenopausal women may
be due to the loss of estrogen. A cross-sectional study of 1,031 women
showed depression and anxiety significantly higher in postmenopausal
women then in perimenopausal women. Postmenopausal women taking HRT
(estrogen and progesterone)had the lowest incidence of depression and
anxiety even lower than the perimenopausal women. Menopause 1997
4
206-211.
For more information on depression click
HERE
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Vitamin D for your heart?
AKASHI, JAPAN. December 24, 1997 -- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries) and osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) are common in
postmenopausal women. Could they be connected? Low levels of vitamin D
may be associated with the movement of calcium from the bones to the
arteries. Can higher vitamin D levels move calcium from the arteries to
the bones thereby solving two common postmenopausal problems. More
studies are underway. Be sure you are getting adequate levels of vitamin
D. If you live in the northern latitudes or spend much of the year
indoors you probably need a vitamin D supplement.Stroke1997;1730-1732,1755-1760.
See
Vitamin
D.
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National Institutes of Health Approves Acupuncture
BETHESDA, MN. December 17, 1997 -- According to experts at the National
Institutes of Health acupuncture is an effective primary treatment for
certain types of pain and nausea. There is "clear evidence"
that acupuncture is effective for morning sickness of pregnancy, post
operative pain and "sufficient evidence" for treating
menstrual cramps, headache and other conditions. The full NIH Consensus
statement is available here NIH-Acupuncture.
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New Drug for Menopause Approved
INDIANAPOLIS, December 10, 1997 -- Eli Lily and Company reports that its
new drug, Evista® (raloxifene) the first among a new class of drugs
called selective estrogen receptor modulators ( SERM ), Has received FDA
approval. Lilly expects the drug to be in pharmacies by January.
Raloxifene has been approved for the prevention and treatment of
osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).Evista® does not PREVENT menopause
or REVERSE menopause. Evista® may protect against cardiovascular
disease the same way that estrogen does and it does NOT appear to
stimulate the breast or uterus the way estrogen does. Evista® does not
treat or prevent hot flashes, vaginal dryness or other changes seen with
menopause and should not be taken by women who have or have had DVT
(blood clots in the veins).
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New Menopause Drug Raloxifene moves toward FDA approval
BETHESDA, MD. November 25, 1997 -- The FDA's Endocrinologic and
Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee voted 8-4 to recommend approval of
Evista, for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Eli
Lilly & Co. hopes the drug will be on the market within six months.
Evista is a (SERM) a new class of estrogen receptor modulating drugs
which means it has some of estrogens effects but not others. Eli Lilly
claims the drug can lower your chance of getting breast cancer by 60%
and it may also protect against uterine cancer. The studies available
for review are short term the National Women's Health Network has called
for longer studies since if the drug is used for the treatment of
osteoporosis it will need to be taken for many years. Pfizer and
SmithKline Beecham have similar drugs in testing for the treatment of
osteoporosis.
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DHEA studied for use in postmenopausal women
QUEBEC, CANADA. November 17, 1997 -- Researchers at Laval University in
Quebec feel that (DHEA) dehydroepiandrosterone should be further
investigated as a new treatment for menopausal symptoms. In a small
study 14 postmenopausal women used DHEA cream for one year. These women
showed a significant (2%) increase in bone mineral density and a
stimulating effect on the vaginal mucosa, but not on the uterus. There
were problems with facial hair and acne. They concluded " It is
possible that DHEA replacement therapy could not only correct, but also
prevent, the multiple problems associated with menopause. J Clin
Endocrinol Metab 1997;82:3498-3505.
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Lycopene Linked to Decreased Risk of Heart Attack
CHAPEL HILL, NC. November 10, 1997 -- Lycopene, a carotenoid found in
tomatoes and taken in tablet form by many Americans may protect against
myocardial infarction (heart attack) by reducing the risk in half in
those with a high intake. Biopsies were taken from a large group of
subjects and tested for vitamin A, E, beta-carotene and lycopene.
Lycopene was the only substance found protective for MI risk. Lycopene
may account for the protective effect of high vegetable consumption on
MI risk. It seems prudent based on this information to increase your
intake of vegetables to the recommended 7-9 servings a day or consider a
Lycopene supplement. Am J Epidemiol 1997;146:618-626.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy Accelerates Wound Healing
MANCHESTER, UK. October 30, 1997 -- Researchers at the University of
Manchester report in the November issue of Nature Medicine that
"...hormone replacement therapy increases the rate of wound healing
to levels similar to that seen in young women. The study included 30
women, 10 postmenopausal women on HRT for at least 3 months, 10
premenopausal women and 10 postmenopausal women with no history of HRT
use. The postmenopausal women on HRT showed a marked acceleration in the
rate of wound healing. We may see new uses for estrogen cream in the
near future.
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The National Institutes of Health will study St.Johns wort.
WASHINGTON D.C. October 26, 1997 -- The National Institutes of Health is
initiating the first US trials of St. John's Wort, an herb used in
europe to treat postmenopausal mood changes and depression. The three
year study will take place at Duke University Medical Center and will
begin next spring. The trial will involve 336 patients with depression,
one-third will receive 900 mg of St. John's Wort a day, one-third will
take a placebo and one-third will take a traditional anti-depressant
drug. It's about time we start to catch up with the Europeans in this
field.
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Tofu may help prevent uterine cancer
HONOLULU, HAWAII, October 23, 1997 -- A diet high in soybean products
such as tofu is associated with a lower risk of developing endometrial
cancer, says researchers at the University of Hawaii. In a study
published in The American Journal of Epidemiology
(1997;146:294-306) of 332 women with endometrial cancer and 511 without
cancer. It was determined that those with the diet highest in soy, and
other beans were 54% less likely to develop endometrial cancer.
go
to soy foods.
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Calcium/vitamin D reduce fracture risk in postmenopausal women
BOSTON, MASS, October 11, 1997 -- Daily supplementation of the diet with
calcium and vitamin D may reduce the risk of bone fractures according to
researchers from Tuffs University in Boston. In a recent study published
in The New England Journal of Medicine (1997;337:670-676), 389
men and women over the age of 65 took 500mg. of calcium and 700 IU of
vitamin D at bedtime for three years. These men and women were compared
to a similar group who did not take the supplements. After three years
the group that took the vitamin and mineral supplement had a fracture
rate of 5.9% compared to a 12.9% fracture rate for the group that did
not take the supplements. Calcium and vitamin D tablets are a widely
available ,safe and inexpensive way to help protect your bones.
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Dr. Susan Love, Best-Selling Author takes on Hormone Replacement
Therapy
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, September 25,1997 -- Dr. Susan Love's new book
Making
Informed Choices About Menopause ( New York: Random House, 1997 ) is
causing quite a stir among the ranks of top OB/GYN's. Her statements are
infuriating some. She says hormones "can cause health problems at
least as serious as those the medications are supposed to prevent... One
of the things I ask is, what is the risk? The risk of Acupuncture,
exercise or eating more tofu is very small from what I can tell. I would
much rather see people take black cohosh ( Cimicifuga racemosa )
than take something that has the potential risk of cancer." Dr.
Love is a Harvard trained general surgeon, but her critics say she has
no experience in primary care, where the heart disease and hip fractures
are generally seen. Many physicians disagree with her suggestion that
women suffer more from breast cancer than from heart disease. The
numbers we have seen seem to support their view. I'm sure we will be
hearing more from Dr. Love.
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Women may benefit from folic acid supplementationg
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, September 20, 1997 -- You may have read about
homocysteine in the New York Times Magazine last month. It is a
naturally occurring amino acid which has been implicated in heart
disease. Now a study of 366 postmenopausal women with elevated
homocysteine levels showed the women with the highest levels had twice
the chance of stroke. We know folic acid, also known as folate
supplementation can reduce high levels of homocysteine in the blood. It
may be prudent to start taking folic acid. The RDA is 0.4 mg a day. Many
multiple vitamin tablets already contain it. Look on the bottle.
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Estrogen can improve memory in old age
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, September 17, 1997 -- Yet another study, this time
out of Canada showing that estrogen therapy can improve memory. A group
of 72 year old women ( we don't know how many ) on HRT were compared
with 72 year old women not on HRT. The women taking estrogen performed
better in several memory tests than the women not on estrogen. This is
more evidence that there is a estrogen / memory connection. We will have
to wait for the study to be published for more info.
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Very low dose estrogen may protect from bone loss
UPPSALA, SWEDEN, September 11, 1997 -- In a small study reported in
The
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ( 1997;117:115-9 )
twenty women over the age of 60 were given low dose estrogen via vaginal
ring. A new ring was inserted each month for six months. This low dose
was shown to increase bone density by 2.1% verses a loss of bone density
of 2.7% in women not using estrogen. While these results are encouraging
we need to look at the risk of endometrial cancer in these women since
they were not receiving progestin.
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Hormone therapy found to reduce risk of arthritis
LONDON, ENGLAND, September 4, 1997 -- One form of arthritis or joint
disease is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis usually affects older
women, unlike rheumatoid arthritis which can affect women at any age.
Previous studies have suggested that HRT ( Hormone Replacement Therapy )
has a protective effect against osteoarthritis. Now, a larger study of
606 women age 45-64, who used HRT for more than 12 months, were shown to
be three times less likely to have osteoarthritis in their knees, than
women not taking HRT. More studies are needed and the protective effect
was not noted in the hands of these women. But this is encouraging news
for women trying to decide if HRT is right for them. Annals of
Rheumatic Diseases ( 1997;56:432-434 )
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New help line established
CLEVELAND, OHIO, August 25, 1997 -- The North American Menopause Society
has established a 1-900 number to provide consumer education by phone on
a wide range of menopausal issues. The number is 1-900-370-NAMS
(1-900-370-6267). The charge is $1.95/minute and the average call length
is five minutes or about $10.00.
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HRT can slow post menopausal weight gain
The PEPI Study, August 1, 1997 -- The Post menopausal Estrogen/Progestin
Intervention trial (PEPI) is studying 875 post menopausal women for 13
years. Data shows that women on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) gained
2.2 pounds LESS than women who are not on HRT. Smokers did not
show this slowing of weight gain. This is encouraging news for women
considering HRT...Findings published in J Clin Endocrinol Metab. (1997;
82: 1549-1556.)
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Estrogen may help prevent cataracts
MADRID, SPAIN, July 28, 1997 -- Researchers in Madrid compared nineteen
women taking estrogen for more than four years with twenty women who
took no estrogen. Twenty-three men were used as controls. They found
significantly higher transparency of the lenses of the women on estrogen
as compared to either the men or the women not taking estrogen therapy.
This is a small sample and a preliminary finding, but something to be
considered in the equation of pluses and minuses of HRT for each
individual. …Findings published in Ophthalmology. (1997;
104:970-973.).
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Designer Estrogens
INDIANAPOLIS, July 23, 1997 -- Eli Lily and Company reports that its new
drug, Evista® (raloxifene) is a first among a new class of drugs called
selective estrogen receptor modulators. This new class of drugs can be
used in place of traditional hormone replacement therapy for prevent and
treating osteoporosis. Evista® is on the fast tract for FDA approval.
In a clinical trial of 12,000 women, Evista® increased bone density of
two to three percent and reduced (the bad) cholesterol. There was no
stimulation of breast tissue, which could lead to breast cancer.
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Estrogen may be prescribed to treat women with high cholesterol
CHICAGO, July 17, 1997 -- Premarin® was compared to Provachol® in a
sixteen-week study of seventy-six postmenopausal women. Provachol®, a
cholesterol-lowering drug decreased bad cholesterol (LDL) by twenty five
percent and increased HDL or good cholesterol by four percent. On the
other hand, Premarin® decreased LDL cholesterol by fourteen percent and
increased HDL cholesterol by twenty three percent. Estrogen may be an
option for managing postmenopausal women with high cholesterol. The
combination of both drugs showed the best results. They decreased LDL by
twenty nine percent and increased HDL by twenty one percent. (Reported
in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 1997; 157:14186-92.)
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Ginkgo reduces sex dysfunction in patients on antidepressant therapy
SAN DIEGO, July 15, 1997 -- Gingko biloba is a herb in the news
recently. It is derived from a common Asian tree imported to the U.S. in
the early part of this century as an ornament. Dr. Allen J. Cohen
reported on his experience at the annual meeting of the American
Psychiatric Association. Ninety one percent of thirty-three women
treated with 60 - 120 mg. of Ginkgo three times a day and seventy-six
percent men reported alleviation of diminished libido. These
participants were all on antidepressant therapy. Can these results be
applied to the common complaints of postmenopausal women? Not yet, but
we all will be watching this interesting herb closely.
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NY Times / CBS News Poll Finds Women are taking health matters into
their own hands
NEW YORK, NY, June 22, 1997 -- When asked where do you get most of your
medical information? 28% said from newspapers and magazines, 31% from TV
and only 13% from doctors. When asked how often do doctors talk down to
you? 58% said most or some of the time. 48% of women leave the doctors
office with unanswered questions and 39% have tried or thought about
trying alternative medicine.
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Non hormonal Drug Approved for the Prevention of Osteoporosis
ROCKVILLE, MD, June 15, 1997 -- Fosamax®, a prescription drug, has been
used since 1995 for the Treatment of osteoporosis may now be used
for the Prevention of osteoporosis. The only other FDA approved
drug for the prevention of osteoporosis is estrogen. The most
appropriate use for this drug would be in postmenopausal women who have
osteoporosis, as demonstrated by bone densitometry, and who for some
reason can't take estrogen.
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Estrogen therapy lowers cholesterol in postmenopausal women
CHICAGO, June 9, 1997 -- Estrogen therapy lowers in postmenopausal
women. In a clinical study just completed, it was observed that women
taking Premarin® over a sixteen-week period experienced a 13.5 percent
decline in LDH ("bad") cholesterol and raising the levels of
HDL ("good") cholesterol. That translates into a forty to
fifty percent decrease in the risk of a heart attack.
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Chinese herb shows no effect in menopause study
OAKLAND, CA, June 1, 1997 -- The Chinese herb dong quai, which has been
used for centuries as a treatment for menopausal symptoms, was no more
effective than a placebo (sugar pill) in controlling hot flashes. This
is the result of a double-blind, randomized study. The study was
conducted at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California on seventy-one
postmenopausal women. Dong quai was given at 4.5 grams per day for six
weeks. Thirty three percent of the women taking dong quai felt good
relief of their hot flashes. However, twenty nine percent of the women
on the placebo also had good relief -- the well-known placebo effect.
Chinese herbs are often used in combinations, therefore more studies are
needed.
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Gel appears effective
INDIAN WELLS, CA, June 1, 1997 -- A progesterone gel is now being
studied and preliminary reports are encouraging. The gel is applied to
the skin like a patch, but it is without the adhesive of a patch and
therefore without the irritation the adhesive can cause. The
progesterone gel is absorbed in a natural and continuous fashion through
the skin. This continuous flow of the hormone into the circulation is
ideal.
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Generic
Premarin® Not Approved:
WASHINGTON, May 5, 1997 -- The FDA has NOT approved a generic form of
the most widely prescribed estrogen, Premarin®. The FDA has concluded
that there is a need for the ingredients in Premarin® to be more
clearly identified. Premarin® is a combination of estrogens derived
from pregnant mare's urine.
Hormone
Replacement in Breast Cancer Survivors:
CHICAGO, April 29, 1997 -- There is exciting news for those women who
have been diagnosed with, or having had a history of, breast cancer.
Gynecology Oncology published a study indicating that estrogen
replacement therapy may no longer be contraindicated. Traditionally, it
has been discouraged for women who have been treated for breast cancer
as it was felt ERT would lead to a reoccurrence of the cancer. Further
studies are still needed to assess ERT's safety, but as the number of
breast cancer survivors increases, so does the demand for dependable ERT
information.
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