What was the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study?
- Donna Locher, PhD, CNM, RN
- 1 minute ago
- 3 min read
In 2002, a major study called the Women's Health initiative was published and instilled fear in women and clinicians regarding hormone placement therapy (HRT). It falsely reported that HRT increased risk of heart disease, cancer and specifically breast cancer. Most, if not all of the data from that study has been debunked and now doctors and influencers in the menopause space are trying to "re-teach" the world that we don't need to fear Hormone Replacement as we once thought.
Since then, this study has been analyzed and reworked; and numerous studies have looked at the benefits and risk of hormone replacement therapy. We now know that if hormone therapy is started within the 10 years of a woman's last menstrual period it can reduce overall mortality by 30%! In this age where everyone is focusing on leveraging longevity and Wellness, hormone therapy is definitely a tool in the toolbox for most women. Utilizing hormone therapy decreases the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, mood disorders and probably also dementia!
HRT certainly helps the life debilitating symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, which was not measured in the WHI study. The amount of diminished work hours is staggering due to menopausal symptoms. The work in this area is ongoing and exciting.
How do Hormones Impact Perimenopause and Menopause
Hormones are small molecules that get in our bloodstream and travel to every organ system in our body. We now know that with the loss of hormones we have accelerated aging and acceleration of the onset of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, insulin resistance, and inflammation throughout the body.
The decision about hormone therapy is an individual decision and each woman should have a conversation with a knowledgeable clinician of her risk and benefits for both symptom control and prevention of future disease.
We are all aging but we don't need to needlessly suffer. Even women that have had breast cancer can benefit from a small amount of topical vaginal estrogen which doesn't increase her risk of breast cancer.
Menopause Society Certification
Be sure to find a clinician who has done recent menopause training since things have changed drastically in the last few years. There are docs and nurses out there, specifically in the telehealth space who are certified by the Menopause Society, and hold a special certification. They are Hormone Replacement specialists and are the most qualified to treat women in perimenopause and menopause.
The clinicians at Inner Balance and also MyMenopauseRx are all certified by the Menopause Society.
Online HRT
If you visit a telehealth provider for Hormonoe Replacement Therapy, you still need to keep up with your annual GYN exams and mammograms. Telehealth providers are not a substitute for GYN care. Many women in my audience don't have a supportive GYN who will prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy, so they use the telehealth platforms for HRT and continue to see their GYN for gynecological care.
Do I need Testosterone in addition to Estrogen and Progesterone
Testosterone can be a great addition to HRT. Testosterone is present in women's bodies and wanes as we age. A very small dose, about 1/10 of a male dose can help with mental acuity, maintaining normal muscle and bone growth.
Of course, eating healthy, minimizing sugar, getting enough sleep and some kind of daily movement are essential to ensure HRT can do it's job.
What was the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study
If you are about my age, you might have a fear of HRT, but also like many, you don't even understand why. All many know is that they've heard that HRT causes breast cancer and they should do everything possible to avoid taking Hormone Replacement. WRONG!
Now we know better, so we can do better. Menopause is having a moment. Be sure to visit social media influencers like Dr. Kelly Kasperson and Dr. Mary Claire Haver. These ladies are advocates for mid-life care and have plenty to say on the matter.
Keep you mind, eyes and heart open to possible new ways to think about Hormone Replacement Therapy. It has shown to improve our bones, our brains, our hearts and our mental health. It may be exactly what you need to sail through the next 40 years of your life.
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