Important Details about a recent study

Important details about October 20th Issue of Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)

A study was published in issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on the increased risk of breast cancer and HRT is drawing a great deal of attention from the lay press. As is often the case, our patients will be turning to us for advice, questions, and information. To help you answer concerns, we have prepared a short summary about the study.

• The estrogen used by the patients in the study was Premarin (conjugated equine estrogens 0.625mg). Not estriol, estradiol or other estrogens used by compounders. Premarin is not considered to be a “bio-identical” hormone. Medroxyprogesterone acetate 0.25mg was used, not progesterone as some media outlets have reported.
• Neither the estrogen nor the progestin taken by the patients in this study are bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones were not studied.
• Although “twice as many died” sounds alarming, the actual statistics are 2.6 deaths for every 10,000 women vs. 1.3 deaths for every 10,000 who weren't taking the drug combination.
• HRT has definitively been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer; however, women not taking HRT also get breast cancer. Other contributing factors include genetics and smoking.
• All women should conduct regular breast self-examinations, schedule and have mammograms done when recommended, and see a physician on a regular basis to assess and maintain breast health.
• Patients should always discuss their concerns about their medicines with their pharmacist and their physician before abruptly stopping or changing their medications, including HRT or BHRT.