WOMEN'S HEALTH

What does the new screening mammography guidelines mean to you?

Written by Dr Phillip Chao

On Nov 17th (my mother’s birthday), there was a cataclysmic change in mammography.

WOMEN'S HEALTH: What does the new screening mammography guidelines mean to you?

Bio-identical Hormones For Women – Are They A Safe Alternative?

Written by Debbie Edson RPh

In response to studies linking the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer, many post-menopausal women look for alternatives. One of the more popular alternatives to conventional HRT is the use of “bio-identical hormone” therapy (BHRT).  Prompted by celebrity endorsement, promises of safety and anti-aging benefits, some woman seek compounding pharmacies that will, upon prescription, make personalized formulas of hormones to replace the those naturally waning after menopause.

Recently, the FDA cracked down on claims made by some compounding pharmacies regarding BHRT, calling use of the term, “bio-identical” unscientific. The FDA is not discouraging the use of compounding pharmacies. Specifically, the FDA cracked down on claims for one of three estrogens used in BHRT, estriol. Estriol is a weaker estrogen and promoters of BHRT claim that it does not increase the risk of breast cancer.  The problem is that claims regarding the safety of estriol have never been proven in clinical trails.

WOMEN'S HEALTH: Bio-identical Hormones For Women – Are They A Safe Alternative?