XTEND-15sec-NEWSt
13th August 2003
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A new UK study finds that combination HRT could double the risk of breast cancer... This was a large study involving over a million women in the UK. It is the largest one to date. The investigators concluded that the risk of breast cancer was four times greater using combination HRT (progestagen-estrogen) compared to estrogen only therapy.
In an accompanying commentary, Chris van Wheel from the University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands, said: "The problem is in those women who are already, often for a long time, taking HRT- estimated at between 20 per cent and 50 per cent of all women 45-70 years of age in the western population. This group should discontinue HRT use as soon as possible."
This study comes hard on the heels of another significant US study that revealed a strong association between combination HRT and risk of ovarian cancer, as well as coronary heart disease and blood clots. These results led the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) group to call an end to the research, just five years into the eight-and-a-half year study.
Since then, sales of supplements including herbal extracts such as black cohosh and red clover, or soy isoflavones, have been steadily increasing around the world. It is expected that this new UK study will spur further trials to record the efficacy of such plant extracts. Until now, results have been conflicting, even if some show considerable potential.
Warren Matthews comments: The greatest majority of women do not really need to go on synthetic HRT programs. It became a 'habit' as opposed to a real necessity. I remember five years ago when my wife turned 50 her Doctor got couldn't understand why she refused to go on HRT and basically 'blamed' me for influencing her! But, as it turned out she didn't need it because taking various 'female' herbs kept the hot flushes to a tolerable degree and she got through menopause with no problems.
I disagree with the article only in the respect of the efficacy of various plant extracts. The effectiveness has been well documented. Of course as with everything not all extracts work with all people…but, they do with most. We have incorporated in the best with our new Total Balance Women's Plus. For details click here.
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Isoflavones linked to reduced risk of endometrial cancer...n2
According to an article in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute women who include natural oestrogens, isoflavones and lignans in the diet could be at reduced risk of endometrial cancer which is the fifth most common cancer among women worldwide.
Dr Pamela L. Horn-Ross and colleagues from the Northern California Cancer Center in Union City, US, evaluated the associations between dietary intake of seven specific compounds representing three classes of phytoestrogens (isoflavones, coumestans, and lignans) and the risk of endometrial cancer in a case-control study of women aged 35 to 79 in the San Francisco area.
They found that the consumption of isoflavones and lignans, but not coumestans, was associated with a reduced risk of endometrial cancer, particularly among postmenopausal women. Obese postmenopausal women consuming relatively low amounts of phytoestrogens had the highest risk of endometrial cancer.
Warren Matthews comments: No great surprises here. This is one of the reasons why we have included a high potency form of isoflavones in our new generation Total Balance. Not only are these substances good for women... they are good for men as well.
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Are health store staff hurting their customers?n3
Some researchers are calling for more regulations as a result of a study carried out in Canada and the UK assessing the accuracy of advice given by a random selection of 30 Canadian health food stores. The researchers comprised of a team from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, the University of Toronto and the University of Exeter in England, and they say that "health food stores are recommending a variety of products, none of which are supported by sufficient evidence of efficacy".
"Governing bodies should consider health food stores as commonly utilized, yet unregulated, sections of the health care system…Regulators need to consider regulations to better protect the public".
Warren Matthews comments: There is no doubt that much of the advice given by 'clerks' at health food stores are indeed inaccurate simply because they have not had the training and are relying largely on label information. On the other hand there are some excellent stores which are very conscious of giving sound advice. Unfortunately they are in the minority.
This 'study' just reinforces how important it is that you take the time to understand what you need when you are buying supplements and the effect they are likely to have on your body or any ailment that you may be suffering from.
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