New Studies Challenge Long-Held Belief About Hormone Replacement Therapy Safety During Menopause

Boston, Massachusetts United States of America
Before WHI, studies reported lower risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, chronic disease, and death among older women who took hormone therapy.
Dr. JoAnn Manson emphasizes that women with bothersome menopausal symptoms should not be denied HRT based on WHI findings.
Hormone therapy does not decrease women's risk for health problems related to aging like heart disease or hip fractures. Low-fat diets are now associated with a reduced risk of death from breast cancer.
New findings from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) show HRT can be safely used by younger women under 60 to treat symptoms without significantly increasing risk of breast cancer or other health problems.
Two studies challenge long-held belief that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is unsafe for women during menopause.
New Studies Challenge Long-Held Belief About Hormone Replacement Therapy Safety During Menopause

In recent news, two studies have challenged the long-held belief that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is unsafe for women during menopause. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI), a major study involving over 160,000 postmenopausal women, has found that HRT can be safely used by younger women under 60 to treat symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats without significantly increasing their risk of breast cancer or other health problems. This contradicts the findings from a WHI clinical trial in 2002 which reported an increased risk for breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots among women taking combination hormone therapy.

Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, emphasizes that women with bothersome menopausal symptoms should not be denied HRT based on the WHI findings. She also notes that before the WHI, studies reported lower risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, chronic disease, and death among older women who took hormone therapy.

The new research from the WHI shows that hormone therapy does not decrease women's risk for health problems related to aging like heart disease or hip fractures. However, it is helpful in dealing with symptoms related to menopause and women have more options for treatment now, including estrogen in lower doses and delivered through the skin as a patch or gel.

Calcium and vitamin D supplements can help fill nutrient gaps among those not eating a balanced diet, but they don't reduce risk of hip fracture in aging women. Low-fat diets are now associated with a reduced risk of death from breast cancer.

These findings provide valuable insights for postmenopausal women and their healthcare providers as they make informed decisions about HRT and other aspects of menopausal health.


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Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

97%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Hormones for menopause are safe, study finds. Here's what changed

National Public Radio (NPR) Allison Aubrey Wednesday, 01 May 2024 00:00
  • Unique Points
    • A new study published in the medical journal JAMA concludes that hormone therapy is safe for women below the age of 60 to treat menopausal symptoms.
    • Micronized progesterone, a bioidentical hormone, does not increase the risk of breast cancer and tends to have fewer side effects.
    • Most women who benefit from hormone therapy fall between the ages of 50 and 60.
    • Estrogen delivered through the skin via patches, gels or creams is a better option for people at risk of blood clots.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article by Allison Aubrey contains several logical fallacies. The first fallacy is an appeal to authority in the statement 'That's the conclusion of a new study published in the medical journal JAMA.' This statement implies that because a study was published in a reputable journal, it must be true. However, this is not always the case as studies can be flawed or biased. The second fallacy is hasty generalization in the statement 'This is a departure from the advice many women have been given in the past.' This statement implies that because some women have been given certain advice in the past, it must be incorrect. However, this is not necessarily true as advice can change based on new evidence. The third fallacy is false dilemma in the statement 'Most significantly, there are now different types of hormones — delivered at lower doses — that are shown to be safer.' This statement implies that there are only two options: high-dose hormones and low-dose hormones. However, this is not necessarily true as there may be other options available. The fourth fallacy is straw man in the statement 'But menopause experts say it's time to reconsider hormone therapy, because there's a lot known now that wasn't known two decades ago.' This statement implies that those who do not support hormone therapy are not considering new evidence. However, this is not necessarily true as there may be other reasons why someone may not support hormone therapy. The fifth fallacy is slippery slope in the statement 'With a range of hormone therapies available now, "Hormone therapy is beneficial way beyond the benefits to just helping with hot flashes," she says.' This statement implies that because there are more options available, hormone therapy must be beneficial. However, this is not necessarily true as more options does not always mean better outcomes.
    • That's the conclusion of a new study published in the medical journal JAMA.
    • This is a departure from the advice many women have been given in the past.
    • Most significantly, there are now different types of hormones — delivered at lower doses — that are shown to be safer.
    • But menopause experts say it's time to reconsider hormone therapy, because there's a lot known now that wasn't known two decades ago.
    • With a range of hormone therapies available now, "Hormone therapy is beneficial way beyond the benefits to just helping with hot flashes," she says.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

No need to fear menopause hormone drugs, finds major women’s health study

The Fixing Site: A Summary of the Article. Marlene Cimons Wednesday, 01 May 2024 14:59
  • Unique Points
    • The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) challenged the safety of menopause hormones over two decades ago.
    • Many younger menopausal women under 60 may experience greater benefits than risks when using menopause hormones for short-term treatment of symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Study: Women can safely use hormone replacement therapy during menopause

United Press International (UPI) Wednesday, 01 May 2024 20:58
  • Unique Points
    • The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) found that women under 60 can use hormone replacement therapy to treat symptoms of menopause without significantly increasing their risk of breast cancer or other health problems.
    • Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, stated that women with bothersome menopausal symptoms should not be denied hormone therapy based on the WHI findings.
    • Before the WHI, studies reported that older women who took hormone therapy had lower risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, chronic disease and death.
    • A 2002 WHI clinical trial reported that women taking combination (estrogen and progestin) hormone therapy had an increased risk for breast cancer, heart disease, stroke and blood clots.
    • Findings from the WHI continue to show that hormone therapy does not decrease women’s risk for health problems related to aging like heart disease or hip fractures.
    • Hormone therapy has been shown to be helpful in dealing with symptoms related to menopause and women have more options for treatment now, including estrogen in lower doses and delivered through the skin as a patch or gel.
    • Calcium and vitamin D supplements can help fill nutrient gaps among those not eating a balanced diet, but they don’t reduce risk of hip fracture in aging women.
    • Low-fat diets are now associated with a reduced risk of death from breast cancer.
  • Accuracy
    • Hormone therapy has been shown to be helpful in dealing with symptoms related to menopause and women have more options for treatment now, including estrogen in lower doses and delivered through the skin as a patch or gel.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Hormones for menopause are safe, study finds. Here's what changed

Health News Florida Allison Aubrey Wednesday, 01 May 2024 22:45
  • Unique Points
    • A new study published in the medical journal JAMA concludes that hormone therapy is safe for women below the age of 60 to treat menopausal symptoms.
    • The safest window to start hormone therapy is typically between ages 50 and 60.
    • Estrogen delivered through the skin via patches, gels or creams is a better option for people at risk of blood clots.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (90%)
    The article does not contain any formal fallacies. However, it contains some informal fallacies and dichotomous depictions. The author presents a contrast between past advice on hormone therapy for menopause and the new study's findings without acknowledging that the new study has addressed some of the concerns that led to the previous cautionary advice. This creates a false dichotomy between 'old' advice, which is presented as overly cautious or misinformed, and 'new' advice based on a more nuanced understanding of hormone therapy risks and benefits. Additionally, the author appeals to authority by quoting experts in the field who support the new study's findings. These experts provide evidence that previous concerns about hormone therapy risks were based on specific types or methods of administration that have since been updated or abandoned.
    • The benefits of hormone therapy for the treatment of menopause symptoms outweigh the risks.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Long-term follow-up reports key findings and clinical messages from largest study of women's health in the US

MedicalXpress Science X Thursday, 02 May 2024 02:21
  • Unique Points
    • The largest study of women’s health in the US, The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), sheds light on menopausal hormone therapy (HT), calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and a low-fat dietary pattern for postmenopausal women.
    • The WHI findings support the use of HT in early menopause for treatment of moderate-to-severe hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms.
    • HT should not be used to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, dementia.
    • Calcium and vitamin D supplements are appropriate to fill nutritional gaps for women who do not meet national guidelines for intakes of these nutrients through diet, but they do not support routinely recommending these supplements for fracture prevention in all postmenopausal women.
    • A low-fat dietary pattern with increased fruit, vegetable, and grain intake did not reduce the risk of breast or colorectal cancer but was associated with a lower risk of breast cancer mortality more than a decade after the trial ended.
  • Accuracy
    • ]The largest study of women's health in the US, The Women's Health Initiative (WHI), sheds light on menopausal hormone therapy (HT)...[
    • Calcium and vitamin D supplements are appropriate to fill nutritional gaps for women who do not meet national guidelines for intakes of these nutrients through diet...
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article contains some instances of appeals to authority and dichotomous depictions, but overall the author's assertions are well-supported by evidence and do not contain any egregious fallacies. The author provides clear and concise explanations of the findings from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, including information about menopausal hormone therapy (HT), calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and a low-fat dietary pattern. The author also includes quotes from experts to support their assertions. However, there are some instances where the author makes dichotomous depictions of the findings from the WHI study, such as stating that HT should not be used to prevent heart disease or stroke but is appropriate for treatment of menopausal symptoms. While this is technically true, it oversimplifies the complex nature of the findings and may be misleading to readers. Additionally, there are some instances where the author makes appeals to authority by quoting experts and stating that their opinions should be trusted. However, these appeals are not egregious and do not significantly detract from the overall quality of the article.
    • ]The WHI findings support its use in early menopause for treatment of moderate-to-severe hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms,
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication