Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New drug may reverse bone loss without estrogen’s side effects, Science study says

A new study published in the journal Science suggests that estren, a synthetic compound, can build bone and improve bone density and strength without affecting reproductive organs. The findings may indicate a potential alternative to standard hormone replacement therapy for treating osteoporosis in both men and women.

Hormone replacement therapy may be associated with increased ovarian cancer risk

A new study found that hormone replacement therapy, particularly estrogen alone, may increase the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women with an intact uterus. Women who used sequential progestins with estrogens had a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those who never used HRT.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 2, 2002

Bone loss resumes when hormone replacement therapy stops, but at normal rate

A long-term follow-up study of over 800 postmenopausal women found that stopping hormone replacement therapy resumes bone loss at a rate similar to those who never took the drugs. The study showed that while bone mass increased in the first 36 months after starting hormone replacement therapy, there was little gain after that.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 24, 2002

Mayo Clinic news briefs

A Mayo Clinic study finds an association between estrogen status and reduced coronary calcium and plaque area, suggesting a potential benefit against heart disease. Estrogen may modulate the calcium content of atherosclerotic plaques, slowing progression of atherosclerosis in women.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateMar 13, 2002

Moderate alcohol consumption reduces cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that moderate alcohol consumption can lower cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women. The researchers observed significant improvements in lipid profiles, with a greater benefit for those starting with higher levels of LDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerols.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 22, 2002

HRT could protect against leg ulcers

A recent study published in The Lancet found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help prevent venous leg ulcers and pressure sores in elderly women. Researchers analyzed data from over 45,000 patients and discovered a 35% lower risk of developing these chronic wounds among HRT users.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 21, 2002

Raloxifene after tamoxifen not beneficial

Researchers found that raloxifene did not prevent growth of breast tumors previously exposed to tamoxifen, while being less effective in blocking endometrial tumor growth. The study suggests that raloxifene may not further reduce the risk for breast cancer recurrence after five years of tamoxifen therapy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 19, 2002

Antidepressant provides a cool choice for hot flashes

A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers has confirmed that long-term use of venlafaxine provides women with breast cancer significant relief from hot flashes, with a 60% reduction in frequency over eight weeks. The antidepressant is considered a safe and effective non-hormonal alternative to estrogen for treating hot flashes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalOncology Nursing Forum·DateFeb 12, 2002

Estrogen holds promise as preventive therapy for cardiovascular disease

A randomized controlled trial found that unopposed estrogen therapy reduced atherosclerosis progression by .0017 millimeters per year in postmenopausal women. The study also showed that cholesterol-lowering drugs had a similar effect when combined with estrogen, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health in women at risk.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 3, 2001

Study confirms secretin no more effective than placebo in treating autism symptoms

A study published in 2001 found that patients with autism who received secretin showed no statistically significant improvements in core symptoms compared to those who received a placebo. The researchers tested porcine secretin and found no improvement in secondary measures of autism either.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 27, 2001

Estrogen doesn’t prevent second strokes: protective effects of hormone replacement therapy challenged

A new randomized, controlled clinical trial found no significant difference in the incidence of stroke or death among postmenopausal women who received estrogen therapy. The study suggests that estrogen should not be prescribed for preventing a second stroke or death in these patients.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 24, 2001