(NAPSA)—Confused about hor- monetherapy? You're in good com- pany. The large Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trial created quite a stir when it unexpectedly found that the risks of menopause hormone therapy may outweigh the benefits. As a result, many women (and their healthcare providers) now wonder whether they should consider hormone therapy. To address this concern, The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) published new recommendations based on an in-depth review of the key hormonestudies, including the WHItrial. The report concludes that noth- Ongoing information about hor- monesis available by subscribing to a free e-mailed newsletter at www.menopause.org/newsletter. relieving moderate to severe hot As with any therapy, the decision regarding hormone use For this use, estrogen pills or skin woman and her healthcare provider. The potential benefits and ing works better than estrogen in flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances dueto hot flashes. should be made between the gen is also an effective treatment risks should be reviewed, along with alternative options, including lining of the vagina becomes less elastic. For vaginal symptoms apy is typically recommended at the lowest dose for the shortest patches are the best choice. Estro- for vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy, a condition in which the alone, a vaginal estrogen product is the best to use. Women who have not had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) need to use a progestogen with estrogen. The NAMSreport also addresses other hormone-related issues, such as its role in preventing the bone-thinning disease of osteo- porosis and estrogen’s association with breast cancer. You can view the full report at www.menopause.org. doing nothingatall. Although use of hormone ther- time, long-term use can still be indicated in certain circumstances. NAMSis North America’s lead- ing nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting women's health during midlife and beyond through an understanding of menopause. To help make informed decisions, NAMS offers a variety of educational materials, including a monthly newsletter that is emailed free to those who subscribe (www.menopause.org/newsletter).
