Breast Cancer - Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Only a Temporary Fix

Hormone “replacement” increases cancer risk, but is sometimes prescribed to treat hot flashes. However, these symptoms are likely to return as soon as the treatment is stopped, according to a new report from the Women’s Health Initiative. In May 2002, investigators stopped prescribing the hormones when serious risks of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia were found. The 8,405 women who discontinued estrogens and progesterone were then surveyed. More than half of the women who had had hot flashes prior to beginning hormone therapy suffered recurrences when the treatment was ended. Women who had not had hot flashes prior to starting the hormones tended to remain symptom-free after discontinuing them. The study suggests that hormones are not a long-term solution to hot flashes and supports the use of non-hormonal strategies for dealing with menopausal symptoms.

Ockene JK, Barad DH, Cochrane BB, et al. Symptom experience after discontinuing use of estrogen plus progestin. JAMA. 2005;294:183-93.

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