Hormone Therapy Reconsidered for Menopausal Women, Including Those with Rheumatic Diseases, Experts Advise
Hormone therapy (HT) for menopausal women, including those with rheumatic diseases, is undergoing reconsideration following new research that challenges previous concerns about cardiovascular and cancer risks. Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Director at the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health, highlighted that women younger than 60 or less than 10 years post-menopause are prime candidates for HT, especially if they experience bothersome vasomotor, mood, and sleep problems, have bone density concerns, and no excess risk of breast cancer or cardiovascular disease. The timing of HT initiation is crucial; estrogen may offer the most benefit during perimenopause and early postmenopause, as older women with pre-existing vascular disease may face increased risks of heart attack and stroke with estrogen, particularly oral forms. Nonhormonal therapies like Fezolinetant and Elinzanetant are also available for vasomotor symptoms and sleep disturbances.
