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6A – Daily News – Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Hormone-replacement therapy has its risks and its benefits DEAR DR. GOTT: Please give some advice on hor- mone-replacement therapy. I am 52 and have been married to my second hus- band for nearly 10 years. We have enjoyed a wonder- ful intimate rela- tionship, but now, as I approach menopause, I feel that I am losing interest, and I don’t want that to happen. I have friends who rave about what hormone- replacement therapy has done for them. I’m interest- ed but not comfortable dis- cussing the topic with my male doctor. Dr. Peter Gott DEAR READ- ER: As a woman enters menopause, the ovaries decrease produc- tion of both estro- gen and proges- terone. This reduc- tion causes men- struation and fertil- ity to ultimately cease. Common side effects of menopause include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings and more. Until several years ago, these symptoms were thought to be best treated with hormone-replacement therapy (HRT). It appeared simple enough. What the body was no longer able to provide could be handled easily by medication. At the time, it was also thought that elevated estrogen levels could ward off osteoporosis and heart disease and improve quality of life. However, a large clinical trial known as the Women’s Health Initiative determined that HRT didn’t provide what was expected and, in reality, posed some health risks. As the number of hazards involving HRT grew, physicians became less likely to prescribe hor- mone therapy. Estrogen alone has been associated with a slight (WHI) increase in the number of strokes and some menopausal symptoms. Estrogen/progestin combi- nation therapy has been linked to a greater number of abnormal mammogram reports. Evidence is now showing that the link between increased post- menopausal use of HRT and breast cancer is stronger and more conclusive. Nonethe- less, the benefits of short- term therapy outweigh the potential risks one could experience. All is not negative, how- ever. Estrogen is the most effective treatment known for relief of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, burning and itching. HRT is believed to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer. Studies remain ongoing but are incomplete regarding a reduction in heart disease when estrogen is taken early in the menopause cycle. Confusion remains. Even my answer to you is negative and positive at the same time. What is known is that HRT does not pro- vide the spectacular benefits once thought possible, but it is believed the risk to a woman taking hormone therapy is quite low. There are a number of herbal alternatives touted to help with the symptoms of menopause. Red clover, for example, contains a plant estrogen known as coume- strol that presumably stimu- lates the ovaries. However, there is no scientific evi- dence that any herbal sup- plement is effective. All studies have been small and relatively inconclusive. While I don’t believe this supplement will cause any harm, you will likely be bet- ter served by getting profes- sional guidance. Because you feel uncomfortable speaking with your male physician, I recommend you make an appointment with a female gynecologist. Provide your complete medical history and, together, determine whether HRT is right for you. Keep in mind that there are a number of over-the- counter lubricants available. The fact that you want to maintain an interest in sex is positive. Work together with your doctor and your hus- band. To provide related infor- mation, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Menopause.” Other read- ers who would like a copy should send a self- addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to men- tion the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com. Dr. Peter Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet,” available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook.” NEW YORK (MCT) — U.S. stocks rallied on Tues- day, taking the Dow indus- trials to a 17-month high, with Wall Street on more solid footing after a year of political battles over health- care reform looked to wind down. Up for second straight day, the Dow Jones Indus- trial Average rose 102.94 Stock indexes rise Wall Street Corning Calif. Largest Selection In Tri-County • Herbal Medicines • Edibles (Foods) • Clones 1317 Solano St. (530) 824-4811 www.tehamaherbalcollective.vpweb.com points, or 1 percent, to 10,888.83. The triple- digit gain is the first for the blue chips since March 5, when the Dow soared 122 points after the release of the last employment report. Stocks rallied on "under- standing the event horizon of the sweeping health-care reform," said Stephen Wood, chief market strate- gist for Russell Investments. On Tuesday, President Barack Obama signed health care reform legisla- tion that will add about 32 million Americans to the rolls of the insured. Of the Dow's 30 compo- nents, 28 advanced, with heavy-equipment maker Caterpillar Inc. leading the pack, up 4.1 percent. The S&P 500 Index added 8.36 points, or 0.7 percent, to 1,174.17, with materials and industrials up the most among its 10 industry groups, all of which advanced. The Nasdaq Composite Index rose 19.84 points, or 0.8 percent, to 2,415.24 On the New York Stock Exchange, advancers over- took declining issues nearly 3-to-1, while composite vol- ume topped 4.5 billion shares. Stocks have been on a steady ride upward in recent weeks with a case slowly being built for an economic recovery. The Nasdaq has risen the most, up nearly 6 percent since 2010 began.