Menopause Mastery Why Women Lose Bone Density After 50 (It's Not Just Calcium)
May 26, 2025
Discover the surprising link between hormonal health and bone density as myths about hormone replacement therapy are debunked. The discussion sheds light on the impact of flawed studies, particularly the Women's Health Initiative, on women's health choices over the years. Learn how misconceptions have shaped understanding of bone health and why calcium alone isn't the answer. This insightful talk offers a fresh perspective on maintaining bone density after 50.
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Myth vs. Reality of HRT Risks
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been unjustly stigmatized due to flawed studies from the early 2000s.
- Recent research shows HRT is often protective and the cancer and heart risk fears are largely unfounded.
Flaws in WHI Hormone Study
- The Women's Health Initiative study had major flaws such as excluding healthy participants and focusing on older, at-risk women.
- This skewed results showing increased stroke risk only in women taking synthetic progestin with estrogen, not estrogen alone.
Risks of Synthetic Progestins
- Synthetic progestins used in some HRT formulations increase risks of clotting, inflammation, stroke, and heart attacks.
- Estrogen alone in the study did not increase these risks and even lowered breast cancer risk by 23%.