The last newspaper-published study has barely hit the recycle bins and now a new one reported in today's WSJ says "after years of debate.... a major medical group yesterday revised its position, stating that estrogen and progestin drugs may actually protect the hearts and bones of certain women"

These women are those taking the hormones ten years after meno.

The conclusions of the WHI were called "overly simplistic".

Naturally there was finger pointing and skepticism. And more evidence is needed.

For us mortals, however, the clock is running and we haven't got the luxury of awaiting further studies if we're suffering.

Hi Nev! I just read the article you write of in the WSJ. I didn't see where they were talking about women taking HRT ten years post. I did see where they were speaking of women who were near meno in their late forties and early fifties taking HRT.

When I see a newspaper article like that I am always suspicious that the main funders of the study are the pharmaceutical companies. At the end of the article it said that NAMS was getting funding from drug makers.

SusanC

Yes, I know regarding funds to NAMS. But it also said there were panel members with no financial ties to drug companies.

That's why it's "here we go again" rather than "Hallelujah! The Answer At Last!"

The ten years post is in the chart. First item shows 11% lower heart risk to when women start using hormones after meno. They don't differentiate pre-meno and meno. The chart is sourced from the WHI. So, then, that's information from that famous finding.

The word from my gyno was always that -- that younger women get more benefits than risks, if you read the WHI report.

It's moot point to me. I do not want hormones. I need them, sadly.

Nev! Too many articles bombing us ladies these days. I really don't think that the scientists will find a definitive answer about the hormone thing, at least in my lifetime. No answers forcoming but then that is just my perception on things. I guess it all goes back to what is best for the individual. I have never been able to take HRT because of severe hypertension so in a way it's a moot point for me also.

I'm glad you have found something that works for you. Peri is such a struggle.

SusanC

I agree -- to many articles. And the media is selective with its information if only because it can't fit in a whole report in the allotted space. So, we don't get the whole story. Even docs don't get the whole story, because the reading of all the reports would take up the whole day.

Yes, it all has to be decided on an individual by individual basis.

Sorry about the hypertension. I think it was peri that made mine go up. But then it came down again. It's insanity. LIterally.