About the Book
For years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also called menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), was hailed as a miracle. Study after study showed that HRT, if initiated at the onset of menopause, could ease symptoms from hot flushes to memory loss; reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and some cancers; and even extend a woman’s overall life expectancy. But when the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) announced that women taking HRT were at increased risk for breast cancer, fears of estrogen skyrocketed and hormone therapy was abandoned.
Now, Dr. Bluming, a medical oncologist, and Dr. Tavris, a social psychologist, reveal the true story of the WHI’s distorted data. They investigate what led the public—and many doctors—to accept so readily the WHI’s incorrect, alarmist claims, while providing a fuller picture of the science that supports HRT. Important additions to this new edition include:
Now, Dr. Bluming, a medical oncologist, and Dr. Tavris, a social psychologist, reveal the true story of the WHI’s distorted data. They investigate what led the public—and many doctors—to accept so readily the WHI’s incorrect, alarmist claims, while providing a fuller picture of the science that supports HRT. Important additions to this new edition include:
• Evidence that demolishes the WHI’s assertion that that their data found that HRT causes breast cancer— and a list of the many claims they have since retracted.
• Updated research on estrogen’s benefits on heart, brain, bones, and longevity.
• A critical review of the alternative products and medications marketed to treat symptoms of menopause.
Estrogen Matters sets the record straight on estrogen’s benefits, providing the information women need to guide them through the changes of midlife.
• Updated research on estrogen’s benefits on heart, brain, bones, and longevity.
• A critical review of the alternative products and medications marketed to treat symptoms of menopause.
Estrogen Matters sets the record straight on estrogen’s benefits, providing the information women need to guide them through the changes of midlife.
Avrum Z. Bluming, MD, is a hematologist and medical oncologist, and a Master of the American College of Physicians. He is Emeritus Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California and a former senior investigator for the National Cancer Institute.
Carol Tavris, PhD, is a social psychologist who has written books, articles, and reviews in psychological science. She has won numerous awards for her science writing and contributions to skepticism and gender equity.