A study funded by Cancer Research UK, the NHS Breast Screening Program and the Medical Research Council followed 1.3 million women for an average of 6.1 years and collected information on reproductive history, use of hormonal therapies, other medical history and lifestyle.
Researchers found that women using HRT are more likely to need a knee replacement due to arthritis than women who have never used HRT. There is also increased risk of hip replacement. The researchers conclude that ‘hormonal and reproductive factors increase the risk of hip and knee replacement, more so for the knee than for the hip. The reasons for this are unclear.’
Critics say that there are limitations of its data collection method and the findings conflict with those of previous studies.
Source: Liu B, Balkwill A, Cooper C et al. Reproductive history, hormonal factors and the incidence of hip and knee replacement for osteoarthritis in middle-aged women. Annals of Rheumatic Diseases 2008; Oct 28 ( via press release)
Showing posts with label combined HRT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label combined HRT. Show all posts
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
HRT pills double risk of blood clots
Researchers in France and Glasgow carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis on some studies looking at the risk of venous thromboembolism in women taking hormone replacement therapy HRT) - the BBC reported.
They concluded that "current use of oral oestrogen increases the risk of venous thromboembolism by twofold to threefold" and they said that HRT patch may be safer but further research is needed.
The critics say this new study provides valuable evidence about the size of the risks and gives some idea of the difference between patches and pills, but women should not assume that it is unsafe to take HRT pills or patches are safe.
Source: "Hormone replacement therapy and risk of venous thromboembolism in postmenopausal women: systematic review and meta-analysis" BMJ, published 20 May 2008. Ahead of print ( f/t via Athens)
They concluded that "current use of oral oestrogen increases the risk of venous thromboembolism by twofold to threefold" and they said that HRT patch may be safer but further research is needed.
The critics say this new study provides valuable evidence about the size of the risks and gives some idea of the difference between patches and pills, but women should not assume that it is unsafe to take HRT pills or patches are safe.
Source: "Hormone replacement therapy and risk of venous thromboembolism in postmenopausal women: systematic review and meta-analysis" BMJ, published 20 May 2008. Ahead of print ( f/t via Athens)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Cancer risk continues after HRT stopped
The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial of HRT in 2002 stopped early because cancer risks and heart disease were found while taking the treatment.
The Times reported that the same team conducted a follow-up study to 2005 monitoring 15,730 women with an average age of 63, originally included in the trial. The women were randomised to take either the combined HRT pill or placebo. The study found that three years after stopping the treatment, the risk of breast cancer was significantly higher than the placebo group, but other risks such as blood clots and strokes, return to normal after the women stopped taking the pills.
The research team pointed out that the findings should be interpreted with caution and suggested that to reduce the cancer risks, HRT should be used at the minimum effective dose and for the shortest possible time. The study was published in JAMA.
Source: "Health Risks and Benefits 3 Years After Stopping Randomized Treatment With Estrogen and Progestin" - JAMA. 2008;299(9):1036-1045 ( full text via Athens)
The Times reported that the same team conducted a follow-up study to 2005 monitoring 15,730 women with an average age of 63, originally included in the trial. The women were randomised to take either the combined HRT pill or placebo. The study found that three years after stopping the treatment, the risk of breast cancer was significantly higher than the placebo group, but other risks such as blood clots and strokes, return to normal after the women stopped taking the pills.
The research team pointed out that the findings should be interpreted with caution and suggested that to reduce the cancer risks, HRT should be used at the minimum effective dose and for the shortest possible time. The study was published in JAMA.
Source: "Health Risks and Benefits 3 Years After Stopping Randomized Treatment With Estrogen and Progestin" - JAMA. 2008;299(9):1036-1045 ( full text via Athens)
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