EDITORIAL
Latest hormone study needs perspective

The Journal of the American Medical Association estimates that 38 percent of postmenopausal women in the United States use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat symptoms of menopause, to prevent osteoporosis and to improve overall health.

For these woman and others facing a decision on HRT, there was disquieting news this week out of a large nationwide study by the Women's Health Initiative of the National Institutes of Health. The study found statistically serious risks with long-term use of the therapy.

These risks included 26 percent more breast cancers, a 41 percent increase in strokes, a 29 percent increase in heart attacks and a doubling of the rates of blood clots.

While the overall numbers these percentages represent are relatively small, they do present a new concern about this therapy.

Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to work in treating hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. Researchers are warning, however, that HRT cannot be justified for long-term use for those with mild or no menopausal symptoms who are taking it primarily to improve overall health.

Doctors are telling women not to panic and that the HRT risk is not substantial. This becomes an issue for those taking the hormones long-term, not for shorter usage.

Some recommend that women continue with HRT until their next regular visit with their doctor. Meanwhile, doctors' phones are ringing off the hook with women wanting clear answers on options and their own risks.

While researchers are right to remind us that each individual post-menopausal woman's risk is low, it's one thing to look at it as statistics on a chart and quite another to individually take the risk, however small. Anyone who has, or has had breast cancer can tell you that the statistic on lifetime chance of getting this disease takes on a different meaning after diagnosis.

For the women and their doctors who are on the front line of this medical issue, the decision has to be balanced with what is in the best interests of the woman, her particular medical profile and her priorities. For some, feeling better and other improvements in their health are worth the risk. Many will no doubt be encouraged to go off HRT because of other potential health problems or risks that outweigh benefits in their particular case.

Yes, women shouldn't panic, but neither should they be forced to wait until their next doctor's appointment for answers if that makes them uneasy. The individual risks are small statistically but huge in their implications for each woman and the family members who love her and depend on her.

If you or a loved one are one of the 38 percent, seek reliable medical information, ask lots of questions, weigh the options and choose what is right for you, individually.