Questionable Safety of Bio-Identical Hormones

The Women’s Health Initiative results made headlines in 2002 –  hormone replacement therapy was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke and hearts attacks in postmenopausal women.  Ever since then there has been an ongoing debate about whether hormone replacement theray should be used to control menopausal symptoms.  Many women are fearful and many healthcare providers reluctant to prescribe hormone therapy.

Makers of bio-identical hormones claim their products are identical to hormones produced by our bodies, and are safer and more effective than conventional hormone replacement therapy.  I have recently seen several guests on TV talk shows recommending bio-identical hormones. What women need to keep in mind is that none of the claims/benefits of bio-identical hormones are supported by reliable scientific data.

The FDA has not approved any bio-identical hormone and does not regulate the manufacturing of these drugs.  At this point in time the FDA states that with the existing knowledge available bio-identical hormones probably have the same risks as other hormone replacement medications. Women need to be informed and discuss all options with their physician – hormone replacement therapy is only recommended to control severe menopausal symptoms (lowest dose for the shortest duration of time).

We are cardiac nurse practitioners specializing in heart disease prevention. We want to help women live a longer healthier life. Brand New Book “Take Charge: A Woman’s Guide to a Healthier Heart” just released Feb 2009. For more information please visit http://heart-strong.com/Bookstore.html                       

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Resting Heart Rate Predicts Heart Attack Risk

The Framingham Heart Study reported that men with a resting heart rate above 92 beats per minute have an increased risk for heart disease. Recent research published in the British Medical Journal shows similar risk for heart disease in women. The Women’s Health Intiative recently reported that women with a resting heart rate above 76 beats per minute were 26% more likely to have a heart attack or die from heart disease than women whose resting heart rates were less than 62 beats per minute. (Resting heart rate is measured by checking your pulse while sitting. Count your pulse for 10 seconds and then multiply that number by 6 = Resting Heart Rate) People who exercise on a regular basis usually have lower resting heart rates but this increased risk for heart disease was independent of physical activity. Younger women (50 to 64 years old) with higher resting heart rates were at a greater risk than older women. Women with higher resting heart rates were more likely to be overweight, smoke, eat unhealthy diets, have high cholesterol and high blood pressure.  This study again stresses the importance of controlling your traditional risk factors. If you do not know your resting heart rate – why not check it today!

“Take Charge: A Woman’s Guide to a Healthier Heart” is a brand new book just released this month which can help women identify their risks for heart disease and offers tips to decrease your risk for a heart attack. For more information please visit: http://heart-strong.com/Bookstore.html