Hormone replacement therapy for women- Is it right for you?

There have been many recent articles and online buzz about hormone replacement therapy for women and our Chief Medical Officer and Caduceus physician Gregg DeNicola MD wanted to weigh in on the discussion.

To provide some perspective, in 2002, an extensive study of over 16,000 women supported by the National Institutes of Health, was halted after discovering that the drugs, a combination of estrogen and progestin, caused small increases in breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. Those risks outweighed the drugs’ benefits -a small decrease in hip fractures and a decrease in colorectal cancer. A year later a comparable study was also stopped in the UK after comparable findings.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. DeNicola agrees, “The fact is a large, prospective study has never been executed proving hormone replacement therapy is indeed safe.  This is an emotional issue and the data is definitely conflicting. Both sides have ample data to support their position.  At Caduceus, we do not routinely recommend or dissuade the use of HRT. The decision is individualized after discussion between the patient and provider. Until the evidence is more definitive, it is the most prudent policy for our patients.”

More questions?  Schedule an in-office or virtual video chat with your Caduceus provider.