The mythology of hormone replacement therapy

Beda Hartmann, B W Hartmann, Huber JC, J C Huber, Johannes C. Huber
British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology · 1997 · vol. 104(2) , pp. 163–168 · doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.1997.tb11038.x · PMID:9070132 · W2012668491
Systematic review / meta-analysis OA: closed CC0
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This systematic review found that contraindications listed on hormone replacement therapy data sheets are often uncritically derived from oral contraceptive data and inaccurately restrict use in several conditions.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the literature on contraindications contained in pharmaceutical data sheets of five currently available oestrogen replacement preparations (HRT). These contraindications include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver diseases, otosclerosis, endometriosis, melanoma and hormone-dependent tumours. DESIGN: Systematic review. INTERVENTIONS: Oestrogen replacement regimens. RESULTS: The contraindications to the five HRT preparations have been taken uncritically from the data sheets of oral contraceptives. In some of these conditions not only is HRT not contraindicated, it is indicated. The data sheets for the HRT preparations all state that cardiovascular disease is a contraindication, but systematic review shows that ischaemic heart disease, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia are not contraindications, and in ischaemic heart disease HRT may actually be indicated. Similarly, systematic review shows that diabetes, chronic liver disease, endometriosis, some cases of treated cancer of the endometrium and breast, melanoma and otosclerosis are not contraindications to HRT. CONCLUSIONS: The information in the pharmaceutical data sheets of HRT regimens should be modified as more accurate information could influence how these preparations are prescribed by doctors as well as affect patient compliance.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Estrogen Replacement Therapy Estrogen Replacement Therapy Breast Neoplasms Breast Neoplasms Breast Neoplasms Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Contraindications Contraindications Diabetes Complications Diabetes Complications Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Female Female Humans Humans Liver Diseases

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References (100)

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