Health Diaries > Health News > Women's Health News

October 2, 2004

New Hormone Therapy Guide, Debate Over Osteoporosis Drugs, Timing Crucial for Breast Cancer Surgery

"Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is still the most effective treatment available for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, but it is not without risk and should not be used to prevent other diseases, according to new guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists."

"As women search beyond hormone treatments for ways to prevent osteoporosis, a debate is raging over which of two leading drugs that slow bone loss, Fosamax and Actonel, is better."

Where a woman is in her monthly cycle is a prime consideration in scheduling breast-cancer surgery and mammograms.