This 2019 prospective cohort study analyzed data from 50,884 women enrolled in the Sister Study to assess the association between airborne metal exposure and breast cancer risk. Utilizing the 2005 EPA National Air Toxics Assessment, researchers estimated residential exposure to ten metals, including mercury, cadmium, and lead. Over a mean
This 2022 systematic review evaluated the benefits and harms of systemic hormone therapy (HT) for the primary prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal individuals. Analyzing 20 trials (n=39,145) and 3 cohort studies (n=1,155,410), the review found that while HT reduced risks of diabetes and fractures, it increased risks of gallbladder
This 2022 recommendation from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) advises against the use of hormone therapy—either combined estrogen and progestin or estrogen alone—for the primary prevention of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer in asymptomatic postmenopausal individuals. The USPSTF assigns a Grade D recommendation, indicating
This study investigated the effectiveness of oral micronized progesterone in alleviating vasomotor symptoms (VMS) such as hot flushes and night sweats in healthy postmenopausal women. The study, involving 133 women aged 44-62, found that those receiving 300 mg of oral micronized progesterone daily experienced significantly greater reductions in VMS compared
This clinical practice guideline by the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health provides evidence-based recommendations for the use of systemic testosterone therapy in postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). The guideline highlights testosterone’s effectiveness in improving sexual desire and reducing distress related to low libido.
This cohort study evaluated the breast cancer risks associated with menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women, comparing estrogen-only therapy to estrogen-progestin therapy. The study found that both estrogen-only and estrogen-progestin therapies increased breast cancer risk, with estrogen-progestin therapy showing a higher risk, particularly in women with lower BMI.
This meta-analysis examined the relationship between menopausal estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) and breast cancer risk, showing that low-dose estrogen (0.625 mg/day or less) did not significantly increase breast cancer risk, while higher doses (1.25 mg/day or more) were associated with a higher risk, though with some variability in risk estimates.
This review article examines the role of estrogen-based menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in preventing postmenopausal bone loss and reducing fracture risk by exploring its dual mechanisms—suppressing osteoclast activity and enhancing osteoblast function—in a dose-dependent manner, with benefits seen even at ultra-low doses and through transdermal delivery. It discusses the clinical
