A wise man once wrote…

Posted by Liz on Jun 23, 2008 in HRT | 0 comments

The important thing is to never stop questioning.   Albert Einstein

HRT has been highly touted as an elixir for menopausal mood issues. However, a study published in the May/June issue of Menopause journal suggests otherwise.

Researchers examined the influence of hormone therapy on health-related quality of life in 3,102 women participating in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN is an ongoing investigation of physical, psychological, biological and social changes that occur in women during their middle years and is now in its 11th year.)  Study participants were asked to complete annual questionnaires that addressed hormone use, menstrual bleeding, symptoms, and health related quality of life (i.e. perception of physical and mental health over time).

The results?  Hormone therapy was not associated with overall improvements in quality of life measures in the general study population except in women who were experiencing symptoms at least or more than six times a week.

These findings suggest that although some women may experience improvements in their mental and physical health by taking HRT, a majority will not. Obviously, this is only one study. But it certainly provides some interesting food for thought that raises some interesting questions about the pros and cons of HRT.