As women age, they face numerous health issues that are unique to their gender. One such issue is menopause, which can be a challenging experience for many women. The use of hormone therapy (HT) to alleviate symptoms of menopause has been a topic of debate among healthcare professionals for several years. In his book Estrogen Matters, Avrum Bluming, an oncologist, and Carol Tavris, a social psychologist, explore the science behind hormone therapy and provide insights into its benefits and risks.
Estrogen Matters delves into the history of HT, explaining how it has been used since the 1940s to relieve symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and night sweats. The book discusses the controversy surrounding HT after a study called the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) was released in 2002, linking HT to an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Bluming and Tavris argue that the WHI study was flawed and that the media's sensationalized coverage of it led to unnecessary fear and confusion about HT. They claim that the study was conducted on a narrow demographic of women who were much older and had underlying health conditions, making the results inapplicable to the majority of women who experience menopausal symptoms.
The authors cite numerous studies that support the use of HT, claiming that it can help women reduce the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia, among other conditions. They argue that the risks associated with HT are minimal when used appropriately, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
One of the book's central arguments is that estrogen is essential for women's health and that the absence of estrogen can lead to several health issues. The authors claim that estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is a safe and effective way to relieve symptoms of menopause and prevent various health issues associated with low estrogen levels, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Bluming and Tavris also discuss the history of estrogen in medicine and how it has been used to treat various health issues, including breast cancer. They explain that estrogen has been unfairly demonized due to a lack of understanding and misinformation surrounding its use. They argue that estrogen is not only safe but also essential for women's health and that it should be prescribed more often, particularly for women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms.
The authors emphasize the importance of individualized care and assert that HT should be prescribed based on a woman's personal and medical history. They stress that HT should not be used as a one-size-fits-all solution and that healthcare professionals should take the time to evaluate each woman's unique situation before recommending HT.
It is a thought-provoking book that challenges the widely accepted narrative about hormone therapy. The authors provide compelling arguments and cite numerous studies to support their claims that HT is safe and effective when used appropriately. They emphasize the importance of individualized care and assert that women should not be afraid of HT when it is prescribed under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Estrogen Matters is an informative and empowering read for any woman who is experiencing menopausal symptoms or is interested in women's health.
Details of e-book Estrogen Matters
- Author(s): Avrum Bluming
- Title: Estrogen Matters
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 base on 567 reviews
- Publisher: Little, Brown Spark; 1st edition (September 4, 2018)
- ISBN-10: 0316481203
- ISBN-13: 9780316481205
- Language: English
- Print length: 320 pages
- Categories: Health, Fitness & Dieting
Beata Shepard
This book is what I have been looking for for the past 2 years! Seriously, I just stumbled across this book and when I started reading it…my enthusiasm skyrocketed!
Elaine Leonard
It's easy to read, really rewarding and best of all it provides plenty of examples to figure it out.
Rosa Bax
I should have started reading much earlier. A really good book.
