Stockholm – New national guidelines from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare aiming to increase access to menopause treatment are drawing scrutiny over the potential for misleading information regarding cancer risks,experts say. While intended to improve care for the seven out of ten women aged 45-60 experiencing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes,mood swings,and sleep problems,the presentation of hormone therapy’s connection to uterine cancer requires careful consideration.
The guidelines address a critical gap in care, as many women currently suffer unnecessarily from debilitating symptoms. Hormone therapy, specifically estrogen, is an effective treatment, but its use necessitates a clear understanding of associated risks and mitigation strategies. Estrogen thickens the uterine lining, perhaps increasing the risk of uterine cancer if used alone. This risk is counteracted by combining estrogen with corpus luteum hormone (progesterone), which prevents excessive growth of the uterine lining. Both natural and synthetic forms of corpus luteum hormone are manufactured in a laboratory setting.
The Swedish Medicines Agency provides foundational facts regarding these treatments. The recent guidelines signal a shift towards proactive menopause care, but concerns remain about ensuring women recieve balanced and extensive information to make informed decisions. The National Board of Health and Welfare’s goal is to ensure more women receive treatment, but clarity surrounding potential risks is paramount.
Further information can be found in an article from Dagens Nyheter: https://www.dn.se/sverige/socialstyrelsen-vill-att-fler-kvinnor-far-hormoner/
