Once again, researchers have concluded that a definite link exists between breast cancer and the use of menopausal hormone therapy, particularly synthetic estrogen-progestin treatment combinations. Since 1990, “breast cancer rates dropped in parallel with declining hormone use just as it rose in parallel to it,” says oncologist Andrew Glass, lead author of the study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
But does hormone therapy—once touted as being heart-healthy and preventing bone-thinning osteoporosis—offer any benefits? “To get rid of hot flashes and to make it through the night, it’s probably a reasonable thing,” says Donald Berry, a professor and chairman of the biostatistics department at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
COMMENT: It is sad that Conventional Medicine’s only option for women with miserable hot flashes and night sweats is synthetic HRT. That is making a choice between a good night’s sleep and the risk of breast cancer.
A much better option is acupuncture. I have seen it work like a miracle with my patients…and with my own perimenopausal symptoms. Getting weekly treatments for about six weeks have stopped the PMS, pre-period headaches and insomnia. Check with a local acupuncturist about treatments for women’s health issues. Be sure to get your thermogram if you are using any type of hormone replacement, even if it’s bio-identical hormones. And add a large amounts of fish oil and vitamin E for good measure.
