As a nurse practitioner specializing in women’s health, I've witnessed the evolving landscape of menopausal hormone therapy (HT) firsthand over my career. For decades, the conventional wisdom held that HT was unnecessary for women over 65, but recent research has challenged this notion. Join me as we explore the latest insights into menopausal HT for women over 65 and its potential benefits.
Understanding Individualized Treatment:
In my practice, I prioritize personalized care tailored to each individual's unique needs. The decision to initiate or continue HT beyond age 65 is not one-size-fits-all. Rather, it requires careful consideration of factors such as specific symptoms, overall health, and medical history. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of using lowest effective doses and non-oral preparations to minimize potential risks associated with HT.
Exploring Health Outcomes:
In a recent study conducted,"Use of menopausal hormone therapy beyond age 65 years and its effects on women's health outcomes by types, routes, and doses," investigated the effects of menopausal HT on various health outcomes in women over 65. Analyzing 40 different HT preparations, it uncovered significant variations in outcomes across different types, routes, and strengths of HT.
Benefits of Estrogen Therapy (ET):
The findings revealed that estrogen therapy (ET) beyond age 65 was associated with significant reductions in mortality risk and lower risks of certain cancers, cardiovascular conditions, and dementia. These benefits were particularly pronounced for specific types of ET and administration routes.
Considerations for Estrogen-Progestin Therapy (EPT):
Estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT) yielded mixed results in our study (note: progestin is synthetic unlike the natural progesterone we prefer to use). While some formulations showed marginal risk reductions in certain conditions, others exhibited varying effects. Notably, we observed numerically reduced risk of breast cancer with certain EPT formulations, highlighting the complexity of hormone interactions.
Comparing Study Findings to Existing Research:
The study aligns with previous research, including insights from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) post-intervention study. However, the larger sample size provides greater statistical power to detect associations between HT use and health outcomes, enhancing the reliability of the findings.
Conclusion:
As our understanding of menopausal HT continues to evolve, personalized care remains paramount. While HT beyond age 65 may offer benefits for certain women, careful consideration of individual factors and formulation choices is essential. I am committed to staying informed and working closely with each patient to make informed decisions regarding menopausal HT.
At Serenity NP Integrative Health, we are dedicated to promoting women’s health through evidence-based practices and personalized care. To learn more about our approach to hormone therapy and other integrative health services, schedule a consultation with me today.
Carolyn
815-281-5515