Let’s face it hormone therapy (HT) has had a bad rap!
There is a large new study that demonstrates, contrary to some commonly held misperceptions, HT doesn’t increase a woman’s risk of developing lung cancer, and it could help reduce the risk. The study results were published online on March 1, 2023, in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
According to the American Cancer Society, “Lung cancer (both small cell and non-small cell) is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the United States (not counting skin cancer). In men, prostate cancer is more common, while in women breast cancer is more common.”
Smoking is the #1 risk for lung cancer, However, I was surprised to learn that 20% to 50% of affected women are nonsmokers.
- The study is based on data from more than 38,000 postmenopausal women.
- The study investigated the association between HT and lung cancer risk based on dosage.
- After 16 years of follow-up, the study’s researchers concluded that HT is not associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in postmenopausal women.
- It found that with a higher cumulative dosage of HT or a therapy duration that was longer than five years, the risk of developing lung cancer was lower.
Dr. Stephanie Faubion, NAMS medical director said that she felt this should be reassuring for women weighing the cumulative risks and benefits of hormone therapy for the management of menopause symptoms or osteoporosis prevention.
This study reminds us of the importance of finding a menopause specialist to be your biz partner in your menopause journey. A menopause specialist will stay up on the latest science and information such as this so that you can base your healthcare on facts instead of fear. If you don’t have a menopause specialist, here are my top 5 tips on how to find one:
- First, find out if your current gynecologist has had training in menopause. If not, it is possible that another doctor in the office has.
- Great specialists often can recommend great specialists in another field.
- Talk to your family and friends and see if anyone has a menopause specialist that has helped them.
- If you have a good relationship with your pharmacist, they often are in the know.
- You can check out the doctor directory from the North American Menopause Society at Menopause.org.
Download my free Menopause Mondays Symptoms Chart and start charting your symptoms. This chart is designed to help you communicate how you are feeling to your menopause specialist so that they can create a treatment program that meets your specific health needs.
Reach out, speak up, and get the help you need and deserve.
Remember: Suffering in silence is OUT! Reaching out is IN.
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*EllenDolgen.com does not recommend, endorse, or make any representation about any tests, studies, practices, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, healthcare providers, physicians, or medical institutions that may be mentioned or referenced.
