A recent study led by Harvard suggests that hormone therapy can effectively alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats for women under 60, with minimal health risks.
Published online on May 1, 2024, in JAMA, the analysis drew on two decades of follow-up data from the Women’s Health Initiative, which monitored tens of thousands of women undergoing hormone therapy. Initially, concerns over increased risks of breast cancer and stroke prompted many women to discontinue hormone therapy following an earlier study more than two decades ago.
However, subsequent research has shown that lower doses and different types of hormones present fewer risks. For instance, newer versions of progesterone, such as micronized progesterone, are now available and do not elevate breast cancer risk, according to the study’s authors. Additionally, using estrogen patches, creams, or gels instead of oral estrogen is associated with reduced risks of blood clots.
Researchers now assert that hormone therapy is generally safest and most beneficial for women aged 50 to 60. The study emphasizes the importance of discussing individual risks with a healthcare provider if considering hormone therapy.
This reassessment underscores evolving understanding and improved options for managing menopause symptoms, supporting informed decisions regarding hormone therapy among younger women.
