January 31st, 2011

The New York Times reports:

“Growing evidence about the risks of breast cancer and other serious illnesses posed by hormone therapy for menopause has led many women to give up the drugs, and many doctors to stop recommending them.

But there has been a lingering belief that for younger women in the early stages of menopause, hormone risks may be negligible, at least for a while. So those who are really suffering from hot flashes, insomnia and other symptoms are often told that it is probably all right to take the drugs, as long as they use the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. Some researchers are even testing an idea, called the timing hypothesis, that starting hormone treatment early in menopause may help protect women from heart disease.”

Find out more from The New York Times