Breast Cancer|HRT Still Considered an Acceptable Treatment

Breast cancer risk can be traced to different sources. It’s been 10 years since the first warnings appeared concerning hormone replacement therapy as a treatment for unpleasant menopausal symptoms. According to a recent online article 15 top medical organizations have united to publish a statement of agreement regarding the benefits of hormone therapy for symptomatic menopausal women.10 years ago, July 9^th the World Health Initiative published a review of hormone therapy as a preventative measure for chronic diseases and in conclusion surmise that the risk far outweighed the benefits. Breast cancer risk was among the biggest fears.

Breast Cancer Fears Magnified

At the time the report was controversial and remains controversial to this day. In a new joint statement that was published by the North American Menopause Society, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Endocrine Society, the conclusion was made that hormone therapy remains an acceptable treatment for menopausal symptoms. Breast cancer fears should not prevent women from asking their health provider about the benefit of HRT. The statement was been endorsed by 12 other leading organizations in women’s health and breast cancer prevention. The main goal of the statement was to provide reassurance for women and their providers that hormone therapy is considered acceptable and relatively safe for women were healthy yet symptomatic as well as recently postmenopausal women. As a result of the controversial WHI study, over the last 10 years women have completely abandoned the idea of using hormone replacement therapy because of the fear of breast cancer. As a result many women  don’t receive  HRT benefits  that could provide relief from their unpleasant menopausal symptoms. Breast cancer fears can be discussed with their health care provider. The problem is that most women are extremely confused concerning the conflicting recommendations. Is best for patients to have the conversation with their primary care physician about breast cancer risks and whether or not HRT is a viable option for them.

Breast Cancer Fears Not the Only Issue with HRT

Dr. Seify explains to patients who are prescribed hormone replacement therapy from their primary care physician that prior to surgery especially facelift or abdominoplasty surgery patients may be asked to discontinue their hormone medication. This can be discussed with their primary care physician when obtaining lab work and preoperative test prior to surgery. Due to the   inactivity that follows procedures like abdominoplasty or facelift it is best that patients do not continue taking any medications that contain hormones. It is important to patients share all medical information with Dr. Seify prior to their plastic surgery procedure. This allows Dr. Seify to make the best recommendations and ensure patient safety.