Learning the Truth about Estrogen

Q. I’ve heard that estrogen causes breast cancer. Why would a woman consider taking hormone replacement therapy?

Every woman has to consider this important question at some point in her life. As a pharmacist and board-certified endocrinologist specializing in women’s health, I discuss this with my patients on a daily basis. I want to empower you with knowledge that enables you to be an active participant in your own health. In my 29 years of clinical practice, I’ve managed over 100,000 female patient visits. Combining that clinical experience with my ongoing review of the medical literature enables me to determine the safest, most effective therapies for my patients. To understand the issue about breast cancer and hormone replacement (HRT), women need to know that ALL drugs have risks and benefits and the key is to know the actual numbers.

Marina Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.E., a UCLA-USC trained physician has no ties to any pharmaceutical company. She is the author of “Outliving Your Ovaries: An Endocrinologist Reviews the Risks and Rewards of Treating Menopause With Hormone Replacement Therapy.” She’s the medical director of the Institute of Endocrinology and Preventive Medicine in Dallas, Texas. In 2011, she spoke at the Cleveland HeartLab symposium at the Cleveland Clinic. She’s appeared on Joni’s Table Talk on Daystar Television Network, The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television, Daybreak USA radio show and written articles for numerous magazines.

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Reports

According to published statistics, if you follow 10,000 women who NEVER take one drop of estrogen for 5 years, there will still be 30 women who will get breast cancer. Many women mistakenly think if they suffer without estrogen, then at least they won’t have to worry about breast cancer! Not true! Thirty cases of breast cancer in 10,000 are considered the natural occurrence of breast cancer. The more important question is how many MORE women will get breast cancer if they decide to take estrogen? Of 10,000 women who take estrogen for 5 years, the number of cases of breast cancer increases to 38! That’s only an increase of 8 CASES! Most women who hear those statistics, say, “Good grief, that’s not many more cases of breast cancer when you consider the benefits you’re getting!” And…. what about the other 9,962 women who DIDN’T get breast cancer and were protected against getting heart disease, strokes, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s?

The Real Killer

Heart disease alone kills more women each year (315,000) than the next 16 causes of death including diabetes, all forms of cancer, AIDS and accidents! If you’re now clear about the breast cancer concern, let me answer the second part of the question…why should you consider estrogen? Menopause often begins with hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia that last a few weeks or months and may go away without any treatment. Some women NEVER have a single hot flash but this is a mixed blessing because without symptoms they are less likely to seek help. Many women think if they just suffer through these symptoms, then when the symptoms are gone, they can go back to their normal selves!

WRONG!!