Study summary

This observational study, published online in the European Heart Journal on 1 October 2008, looks at the effects of HRT post the Women's Health Initiative trial. The research followed 698,098 healthy Danish women, aged 51-69, between 1995-2001.

The study found that overall there was no increased risk of heart attacks in current users of HRT compared to women who had never taken it.

Is tibolone (Livial) associated with an increased risk of breast cancer?

Comments from: Professor Henry Burger AO, MD, FRACP, FCP, FRCP (London), FRCOG, FRANZCOG, FAA
Director and Consultant Endocrinologist, The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health, and Emeritus Director, Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research.

Tibolone (Livial) is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The most recent data is from the LIFT trial¹, showing a decreased risk (HR 0.32) in a RCT (randomised controlled trial) where the dose was half of that conventionally used, 1.25 mg daily. There is a large case-control study from the UK general practice research database² where there was no increase in risk (HR 0.86). The data suggesting an increased risk in the Million Women Study³ is almost certainly due to selection bias.

Comments from researchers at the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health

Introduction

The Foundation strongly advocates that women and health professionals take a balanced, evidence-based and informed approach to health. All risks and benefits should be taken into perspective when considering the use of HRT for menopausal symptom relief.

For example, having more than two standard drinks per day, being overweight or obese, having your first child over the age of 35 or going into menopause at a later age are higher risk factors for breast cancer than taking HRT.

January 9, 2008

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it has begun enforcement action against compounding pharmacies making false and misleading claims about the safety and efficacy of 'bioidentical hormones'.