Endocrine Society presents Scientific Statement on menopausal hormone therapy at ENDO 2010
March 20, 2016
New data shows women starting menopausal hormone therapy a short time after onset of menopause at ages 50-59 respond differently than those starting MHT after age 60. Women in the short-time group using MHT for five years experienced a 30-40 percent decrease in mortality, no increased risk of heart disease and 90 percent reduction of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes or overactive bladder.
"Some women in the short-time group still developed breast cancer but only with the combination of estrogen plus a progestogen, not with estrogen alone. This may be due to the stimulation and uncovering of very small, undiagnosed breast cancers, rather than causing these cancers de novo," said Santen.
"It is important to remember that most women considering MHT are between the ages of 50 and 55 and in this group MHT may have many benefits," said Santen. "Physicians and their patients need to re-think the use of menopausal hormone therapy based on data pertinent to the 50-55 year old and therapy should be individualized based on symptoms and underlying risks of breast cancer and heart disease."
The statement, "Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement," will be published in the July 2010 issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).
Source: The Endocrine Society