New research debunks myths about HRT!

A ground-breaking study has shattered the myths surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT), highlighting the significant health benefits of bioidentical transdermal hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for women over the age of 65. This research, involving 10 million Medicare women, underscores the massive advantages and cancer protection provided by bioidentical estrogen, challenging the long-held belief that estrogen is harmful or unsuitable for older women.

Study Overview

The research analyzed prescription drug and medical records of 10 million senior women from 2007 to 2020. The focus was on assessing the impact of various hormone therapies—including different types of estrogen/progestogen combinations, routes of administration, and dosage strengths—on all-cause mortality, certain types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia.

Key Findings

Estrogen-Only Therapy

Women who used estrogen-only therapy beyond age 65 experienced:

• A 19% reduction in all-cause mortality

• Decreased risks of breast cancer (16%), lung cancer (13%), and colorectal cancer (12%)

• Lower incidence of congestive heart failure (5%), venous thromboembolism (3%), atrial fibrillation (4%), acute myocardial infarction (11%), and a slight reduction in dementia (2%)

Estrogen and Synthetic Progestogen Combination Therapy

This option showed increased risks of breast cancer (10%-19%) with synthetic progestins. However, this risk was reduced by using low doses of transdermal or vaginal estrogen plus progestin. Significant reductions in risks for endometrial cancer (45%), ovarian cancer (21%), and various heart conditions were observed, particularly with estrogen combined with progestin.

Note: Bioidentical micronized progesterone was not included in this study. However, numerous other studies indicate that all risks associated with synthetic progestins can be avoided by replacing them with bioidentical micronized progesterone, which is the preferred form of progesterone in 2024.

Implications for Bioidentical Transdermal Therapy

The study strongly indicates that lower doses and non-oral routes of administration, particularly bioidentical transdermal applications, are not only safer but also more effective. The bioidentical formulation, especially estradiol (E2) rather than conjugated estrogens, was notably favorable in terms of safety and efficacy outcomes.

Why Bioidentical Transdermal Therapy?

Transdermal delivery minimizes fluctuations in hormone levels, providing a steady state that more closely mimics the body’s natural rhythms. This method significantly reduces the risk of complications associated with oral hormone therapies, such as thrombosis and liver metabolism issues. Furthermore, bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those the body produces naturally, which often translates to better tolerance and fewer side effects.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, like what is provided in the Healthy Hormone Club, not only improves quality of life, mood, body composition, and overall health but is also proven to prevent disease, especially cancer. New research debunks myths about hormone replacement therapy