Major study shows how hormone therapy helps health of women

A world-first study has revealed the massive health benefits hormone therapy can have for young women with a rare form of early menopause.

Young women who take hormone therapy at the start of early menopause can “significantly” reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

That’s the finding of a world-first study of more than 122,000 women in South Korea to be presented in Melbourne this weekend.

The major research will be part of the World Congress on Menopause that has attracted global experts to Melbourne for the four-day event. More than 2000 people are expected to attend.

Lead author Dr Hyun Joo Lee said early diagnosis and a timely start of hormone therapy (HT) could save the lives of young women affected by a rare type of early menopause known as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

Early diagnosis and a timely start of hormone therapy can save the lives of young women affected by a rare type of early menopause.

She is assistant professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Pusan National University School of Medicine in South Korea.

Her study also found women who started HT within a year of diagnosis had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes compared to those who started the therapy later.

“This highlights the importance of early HT intervention in preventing POI-related health issues,” Dr Lee said.

Early menopause usually happens between the ages of 40-45, but POI occurs in women under the age of 40 and can even be seen in teenagers.

Her national study compared women with the condition who had received HT with those who did not. Those on HT may have used oestrogen-only or oestrogen-progestogen combination therapy.

“We observed cases of delayed diagnosis in our study,” she said. “Many women experiencing symptoms such as irregular or absent periods often delayed seeking medical help, attributing them to complications associated with natural ageing and low oestrogen levels, which can lead to various health issues.”

The study found women who started HT within a year of diagnosis had a much lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes than those who started later.

Dr Lee said breast cancer risk was also an important consideration regarding HT use.

“While our study didn’t directly investigate breast cancer incidence, we looked at the existing research on the link between HT and breast cancer risk, especially for women already diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said.

“For the general population of women with POI, the potential benefits of HT often outweigh the relatively small increase in breast cancer risk.

“It’s crucial to weigh these risks against the significant benefits of HT in managing POI symptoms and preventing long-term health complications.”

Dr Lee said she believed it was a good option for many women with POI and should be offered as soon as the diagnosis was made.

“POI can have long-term health implications, affecting a woman’s wellbeing not just in the next 10 or 20 years, but for the rest of her life,” she said.

“By offering HT, we empower women with the condition to make informed decisions about their health. (But) women should discuss their specific needs and concerns with their healthcare providers.”

Research says offering HT can empower women to make informed decisions about their health. Picture: iStock

AT A GLANCE

• Primaryovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition where the ovaries stop working before the age of 40

• Earlymenopause happens between 40 years and 44 years

• About12 per cent of women globally go through early menopause

• HTis usually oestrogen-only or oestrogen-progestogen combination therapy