Tag

Hormone Therapy

All articles tagged with #hormone therapy

The menopause product boom meets medical skepticism
health1 day ago

The menopause product boom meets medical skepticism

A surge of menopause-focused products—ranging from skincare and dietary supplements to gadgets and wearable prompts—has flooded markets and social media. Doctors warn that many claims aren’t scientifically proven and advise patients to discuss evidence-based options with their clinicians, such as hormone therapy (when appropriate), nonhormonal medications, and lifestyle measures like regular exercise and a healthy diet. Dermatologists also stress sensible skincare and sun protection, noting that some beauty claims (e.g., ingestible collagen) lack solid science.

Living with Prostate Cancer: PSA testing, treatment hurdles, and a UK screening debate
health27 days ago

Living with Prostate Cancer: PSA testing, treatment hurdles, and a UK screening debate

UK men face rising prostate cancer diagnoses while a National Screening Committee says broad PSA screening isn’t justified due to risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment, even as awareness grows and access varies by socioeconomic status. The piece follows men like Bulteel, Pennington, Walsh and Hemans, illustrating how PSA testing can detect cancer early but also lead to difficult treatment paths (surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy) and significant emotional and relational strain, highlighting disparities in access and the push for targeted screening for at‑risk groups.

Biomarker may flag dementia risk for certain menopause hormone therapies
health27 days ago

Biomarker may flag dementia risk for certain menopause hormone therapies

New analysis of WHI data finds that higher baseline plasma p-tau217, an Alzheimer's biomarker, is linked to a substantially higher dementia risk, especially for women on combined estrogen–progesterone therapy started later in life; estrogen-only therapy did not show the same pattern. The risk was strongest among women over 70, white women, and APOE4 carriers, suggesting hormone interactions with brain vulnerability rather than a direct cause. Starting combined hormone therapy around menopause for five years or less generally does not raise dementia risk, but starting after 65 may for some women. Biomarkers like p-tau217 could help identify who is most at risk.

Perimenopause: closing the evidence gaps in a shifting hormone-therapy era
health1 month ago

Perimenopause: closing the evidence gaps in a shifting hormone-therapy era

Perimenopause—the turbulent, pre-menopausal years—lacks biomarkers and robust trial data, so treatment tends to rely on postmenopausal findings; modern menopausal hormone therapy is safer and more personalized, yet its long-term effects in perimenopause are still unclear. Reanalyses of WHI show smaller risks than once thought, and FDA warnings have loosened, but gaps remain about who should start therapy, how long to use it, and the benefits beyond symptom relief. Large studies like SWAN and CLIMATÈRE are expanding this knowledge, while researchers explore non-hormonal options and the possibility that hot flushes drive cognitive symptoms. The goal is a biology-based, individualized approach rather than oversimplified messaging or 'fountain of youth' claims.

Patch Shortage Tests Access to Menopause Hormone Therapy
health1 month ago

Patch Shortage Tests Access to Menopause Hormone Therapy

Rising demand for menopause hormone therapy—accelerated by FDA label changes and greater public awareness—is outpacing the supply of estrogen transdermal patches, leading to intermittent stockouts, patient brand-switching, and higher costs. Doctors are advising alternatives (other patches, gels, pills) and working with manufacturers to increase capacity as supply catches up.

Large Review Finds Menopause Hormone Therapy Does Not Alter Dementia Risk
health3 months ago

Large Review Finds Menopause Hormone Therapy Does Not Alter Dementia Risk

A WHO-commissioned meta-analysis of data on more than a million women finds no strong evidence that menopause hormone therapy (MHT/HRT) increases or decreases dementia risk. Most studies are observational with inconsistent, low-certainty results; one randomized trial suggested a possible risk with estrogen-only MHT after age 65, but certainty is low. The findings align with the 2024 Lancet Commission and FDA reassessment, and researchers call for more high-quality studies—especially in premature menopause—to clarify MHT’s role in cognitive health.

The Rise, Fall, and Revival of Testosterone in Medicine
health3 months ago

The Rise, Fall, and Revival of Testosterone in Medicine

The article discusses the historical decline and recent resurgence of testosterone therapy in medicine, highlighting how misconceptions, particularly linking testosterone to prostate cancer, led to its decline. Abraham Morgentaler played a key role in challenging these beliefs through clinical evidence, showing that testosterone therapy is safe for men with hypogonadism and emphasizing the importance of considering individual patient experiences. The piece also explores the cultural and medical biases that have hindered the acceptance of testosterone treatment.

FDA to Remove Black Box Warnings on Menopause Hormone Therapy
health5 months ago

FDA to Remove Black Box Warnings on Menopause Hormone Therapy

Science and medical guidelines have evolved, leading to a more nuanced view of hormone therapy for menopause. Starting therapy before age 60 or within ten years of menopause can provide relief from symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, and offer benefits for bone and heart health. However, not all women are suitable candidates, and risks vary depending on the type of estrogen used and individual health conditions. Alternatives like non-hormonal medications and lifestyle changes are also available for managing menopausal symptoms.

FDA Removes Black Box Warning on Menopause Hormone Therapy
health5 months ago

FDA Removes Black Box Warning on Menopause Hormone Therapy

The FDA has removed the 'black box' warning on hormone replacement therapy for menopause, citing new research that shows the treatments are safer than previously thought, which may increase their use among women and doctors. The agency will still warn about endometrial cancer risk and has approved two new menopause-related drugs. This change follows a reevaluation of past studies linking hormone therapy to serious health risks, and reflects a broader shift in conversations about women's health during midlife.