The Hormone Conundrum
An abrupt end to a major menopause study leaves women as confused as ever
Last week, Stanford researchers told Mary Lazarus she was among the WHI participants taking estrogen, not the placebo. She feels sad that the trial is over, and just a little nervous waiting for the results. "Still," she says, "I'm glad I did it. I always knew there were risks."
Focusing on Women's Health
The federally funded Women's Health Initiative is one of the largest health studies ever launched. Started in 1991, it eventually enrolled more than 160,000 women. The second and last hormone therapy component was canceled last week owing to concerns about health risks, but these components are still ongoing:
Diet. Researchers are following more than 48,000 women to see the effects of a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet on breast and colon cancer and heart disease.
Supplements. This study of approximately 45,000 women focuses on the effects of calcium and vitamin D on hip fractures and colon cancer.
Observational study. This long-term study of 93,676 women includes regular health questionnaires as well as blood and genetic work. The goal is to refine current understanding of known disease risks and identify new risks, including genetic markers.
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