Some years ago, the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) decided that the long term risks of combined HRT after 3-5 years of use outweighed the benefits.  Women were at higher risk in the following areas:  blood clots, heart attacks, breast cancer, and strokes.

The study, which utilized and investigated PremPro, basically ended the medical era where hormone replacement was recommended long term for bone and heart health, beyond the years of menopausal symptoms. 

Women who have recently turned menopausal and are currently suffering from hot flashes, night sweats, and/or vaginal dryness, are encouraged to try relief from alternative therapies, such as soy products for hot flashes or vaginal lubricants for dryness.  Many women, however, without risk factors for breast cancer or heart disease, will still want to choose a combined hormone replacement therapy, just long enough to provide relief and increase quality of life.  You might want to think in terms of "the least amount for the shortest period of time."

We encourage you to make an appointment with your Women's HealthFirst physician to go over your individual plan, including bone density testing.  Our doctors want to work with you in establishing the hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) regimen or alternate scenario that works best for you. 

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