Dr Louise Newson, leading the menopause revolution, and the host discuss the safety of HRT, weighing risks vs benefits, hormone choices, and Big Pharma interests. They address the impact of perimenopause and menopause on this generation, unraveling HRT misinformation, hormone testing challenges, personalized care, and pharmaceutical companies' role in menopause treatments.
Long-standing misconceptions about menopause were exposed, revealing the misleading 2000 study linking HRT to cancer and its impact on women's health.
Menopause extends beyond hot flushes, encompassing various symptoms like urinary issues and skin changes, necessitating personalized hormone treatment approaches.
Challenges in weighing HRT risks versus benefits were discussed, emphasizing evidence-based care, individualized treatment, and the role of body-identical hormones in reducing disease risks.
Deep dives
Misconceptions and Misinformation about Menopause
The podcast episode exposes long-standing misconceptions about menopause, highlighting a New York Times article that brought attention to how a faulty 2000 study linking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to breast cancer misled women for over 20 years. The study's misinterpretation resulted in women enduring brain fog, memory loss, insomnia, and other severe symptoms unnecessarily, despite potential benefits of HRT in reducing the risk of various diseases.
Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause
Discussion delves into the definition and misconceptions surrounding menopause and perimenopause, emphasizing that menopause is not solely defined by a year post last period and hot flushes. Urinary symptoms, skin changes, gastrointestinal issues, and even conditions like frozen shoulder can also be linked to hormonal changes. Emphasis is placed on the importance of individualized approach to hormone treatment.
Risk-Benefit Analysis of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The conversation navigates through the complexities of weighing the risks and benefits of HRT for women. It emphasizes the individualized nature of hormone treatment, backed by evidence-based insights. The benefits of using body-identical hormones, such as estradiol and progesterone, are highlighted alongside the role of hormone replacement in reducing risks of conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease.
Challenges with Pharmaceutical Interest and Long-Term Therapy
Challenges related to pharmaceutical interests in hormone replacement therapies are addressed, with a focus on potential financial disincentives for big pharmaceutical companies in pursuing HRT. The conversations also touch on the misconception that HRT is a lifestyle drug and how vested interests may influence attitudes towards hormone therapies. The podcast emphasizes the importance of individualized care and evidence-based treatment amidst pharmaceutical influences.
Navigating Hormone Treatment and Monitoring
Insights are shared on the experiential aspect of hormone replacement therapy, underlining the trial-and-error process involved in hormone adjustments. Suggestions include keeping a diary of symptoms, seeking professional advice for optimal dosages, and understanding the short-acting nature of hormones to tailor treatment effectively. The discussion also dissects the challenges of monitoring hormone absorption and the need for well-informed decision-making in hormone replacement journeys.
Dr Louise Newson (British GP; hormone specialist) is regarded as the “medic who kickstarted the menopause revolution”. For two decades women have been denied treatment for a debilitating condition that affects more than half the population, thanks to one (faulty) study that linked hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to cancer. Louise has been on a mission to undo the damage and educate women on their real choices.
In this chat, I try to cover off what every woman I know is asking right now:
Is HRT safe or not?
How do I weigh up the risks and benefits?
How do I know which hormone, how much and when?
Are there Big Pharma interests at play?
Do I need to take it if I’m healthy?
And, Is it just me or has perimenopause and menopause got worse for this generation?
NOTE: The next episode is a follow-up, where I get Louise to answer the granular, intimate menopause questions posed by the Substack community! Don’t miss it.
SHOW NOTES
To connect with Louise, and to check out her resources on menopause and peri-menopause, follow this link
