Is HRT Really Safe?

Is HRT really safe? Conclusions of the Global Menopause Summit at the 12th World Congress on Menopause in Madrid were presented by Professor Amos Pines pronouncing that HRT is now safe for women to use as they enter the menopause but consumers and the medical profession around the world must be shaking their heads with confusion. The conclusions of the report based on a re-analysis of the published scientific work that clearly showed that HRT does increase the risk of heart disease and dementia as well as doubling the risk of breast cancer, is a complete turnaround in thinking, and does little to take into consideration the adverse medical findings that they acknowledge affected women in their late 50's and onwards.

Brighton, UK (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- Today, Professor Amos Pines presents the conclusions of the Global Menopause Summit at the 12th World Congress on Menopause in Madrid, pronouncing that HRT is now safe for women to use as they enter the menopause but consumers and the medical profession around the world must be shaking their heads with confusion. The conclusions of the report based on a re-analysis of the published scientific work that clearly showed that HRT does increase the risk of heart disease and dementia as well as doubling the risk of breast cancer, is a complete turnaround in thinking, and does little to take into consideration the adverse medical findings that they acknowledge affected women in their late 50's and onwards.

Following the abandonment of the two major clinical studies: the HERS American research and the British Million Women Study the Committee on safety of Medicines in the UK stated that women must be informed about the risks and benefits of HRT, but if they decide to take HRT it should be at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest possible time.

The Global Summit Report does little to advise women from 59 -- 99 who are not advised to take HRT and urgently need to protect their bones, heart and memory from decay in order to maintain their quality of life.

Women may choose to take HRT for a couple of years if their acute symptoms are severe, but we know that about 90% of women now choose not to take HRT. Women feel this is a natural milestone in their lives, and a time to get fitter and healthier. So wouldn't it be preferable for the experts to spend their time working out how to apply the published research relating to diet, exercise, relaxation and supplementation which clearly show both efficacy and safety in the long term rather than trying to further line the pockets of the manufacturers of HRT?

"There are plenty of effective natural alternatives to HRT" says Maryon Stewart, the Founder of the UK based Natural Health Advisory Service that has been successfully helping women all over the world to cope with menopause symptoms and promote long-term well being for more than 20 years. "We know 20 minutes of exercise 3 times a week improves your fitness, lowers your blood pressure and risk of heart disease, and is good for bone density: especially if you are carrying weights which could simply be shopping bags. Research also shows that soya products help to restore both short and long term memory as well as reduce the incidence of heart disease and bone loss. Plus a healthy diet will help to restore nutrient levels in the body at mid-life which influences both our brain chemistry and hormone function, and daily relaxation has been shown to help to reduce hot flushes and night sweats by up to 60%" says Maryon, who has written several books on the menopause including devising the Natural Menopause Kit, the magazine style work book and full length feature film that outlines the successful Natural Health Advisory Service Programme.

"I feel very sorry for both doctors and consumers as there is bound to be enormous confusion as a result of this report" says Maryon.

Following the Madrid report the Natural Health Advisory Service are setting up a series of telephone Calls which Maryon Stewart will be hosting to answer the many questions that women and their advisors will have. Details of these sessions, which are free, can be found at www.naturalmenopause.com

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