The following news article about hormone replacement therapy - all came out within the last week from around the world.  And they all conflict. Is it any wonder that women are so confused?

Hormone therapy lifts the love life

The Dominion Post - New Zealand - Saturday, August 23, 2008

“Hormone replacement therapy could be “the female Viagra” for post-menopausal women, new research involving Wellington women suggests.

‘There’s been a lot of fear about HRT almost approaching mythical proportions … but what this research shows is that for most women, the benefits outweigh the risks…’   OMG

Same study used in an article in Malaysia

Malaysia Sun - August 22, 2008

HRT therapy found to help menopausal women

‘One of the longest and largest trials of hormone replacement therapy has found it helps post-menopausal women significantly improve quality of life…’

United Kingdom - Times Online - August 22, 2008

Benefits of HRT justify a rethink, say researchers

‘Women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) gain benefits in sleep and reduced joint pain.  A study looked at the benefits in older women of taking HRT, and concluded that they were significant…’

These articles are all about the same study - yet - the one below takes a conflicting spin…and it was posted in the entertainment section!

Australia News.com.au - Entertainment Section - August 22, 2008

Horomone Therapy improves sex, but risks outweight the benefits

But opponents of the problematic treatment say its links with breast cancer, heart disease and blood clots still outweigh any small improvement in quality of life.

And the article below sends out a conflicting message within itself.  Actually, this professor was quoted in another one of the above articles too.

HRT offers improved life quality

Melbourne, Australia - heraldsun.com.au - August 22, 2008

‘But Prof Anne Kavanagh, director of the Key Centre for Women’s Health in Society at the University of Melbourne, warned: “While this study shows some short-term benefits, it did not show overall improvements in overall quality of life or depression,” she said…’

If you ask me, Big Pharma is rearing its head - still trying to recoup cost in 2002 when the WHI stopped their study on HRT the first independent study to be conducted in the 30 years that HRT has been on the market.  This is so typical.  Wait a few years - 6 in this case, let the dust settle from the 2002 uproar - and do another study that supports HRT use.

How stupid do they think we are?  Unfortunately, these articles target a whole new demigraphich os women entering menopause, many who were not aware of the 2002HRT controversy and they will believe this latest study and fall right back into the pharma trap.

L.