This headline appeared in a July 9, 2002, ABC NEWS.com article:

More than 16,000 women participating in a major clinical trial will be ordered to stop taking hormone medication this week after tests revealed that the 6 million other American women taking the drugs might be at risk

The study, instigated by researchers for the Women’s Health Initiative, or WHI, was designed to identify the potential risks and benefits of hormone treatments. They were hoping the treatments might help prevent heart disease, bone fractures, and breast and colon cancer in postmenopausal women. The proposed eight-year study was halted abruptly after five years, when results indicated the women were actually increasing their risks of these serious conditions by taking the medication. At that point, women were urged to stop taking the synthetic hormones immediately and results were made known to the public.

The medication studied was the hormone replacement combination of estrogen and progestin, commonly sold in the U.S. under the name Prempro. This combination was extremely effective at relieving acute symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, especially hot flashes and night sweats. However, the study definitively proved that long-term use did more harm than good.

If you are currently taking Prempro, or other synthetic estrogenic hormones, there is cause to be concerned about their long-term effect on your health. However, ceasing these medications or replacing them with over-the-counter natural hormones without professional help is not a good option. Holistic doctors have treated Estrogen Dominance for years, and they’ve been aware of its possible health risk long before the results of this study were revealed. Dr. Weine is experienced in helping women switch from synthetic to natural hormones. Working with the physician who prescribed the synthetics, and gradually moving into natural correction is the best solution. By scheduling a saliva test with Dr. Weine, you can immediately begin your path back to endocrine balance.