Why Didn’t Doctors Caution Patients About the Link Between Hormone Replacement Therapy and Cancer? : The Hearty Soul

Estrogen therapy has long been prescribed to alleviate menopausal symptoms in women. Estrogen, a sex hormone found in both men and women, plays a vital role in the body, but an imbalance can have negative effects. Despite concerns about the link between synthetic estrogens and breast cancer, hormone replacement therapy was widely prescribed without much scientific backing. However, the Women’s Health Initiative studies in the 1990s revealed the dangers of this treatment, leading to a decline in prescriptions and incidents of breast cancer. It is crucial to understand the individual risks and benefits of hormone therapy, as not all women may benefit from this treatment in the same way. Patients should discuss the options with their doctors to make an informed decision.