As women, we are bombarded with health messages, and oftentimes the messages contradict one another. Holly L. Thacker, M.D., Director of the Cleveland Clinic Women’s Health Center, offers practical advice on some of the most confusing health issues of the day: aspirin usage, hormone therapy and vitamin D.
- Preventive aspirin therapy is not recommended for the average healthy 50-year-old woman because the risks of aspirin are greater than the benefits in a woman with low risk for cardiovascular disease. However, in women with cardiovascular risks, such as diabetes or known heart disease, and particularly those over age 60, aspirin cuts the risk of stroke by an impressive 30 percent.
- Hormone therapy, or HT (either contraceptive or postmenopausal), is not for every woman. However, many women reap great benefits from HT, particularly those with bothersome menopausal symptoms, and post-menopausal women can gain bone protection from ultra-low doses of estrogen. Short-term use of HT to control menopausal symptoms is still the best treatment available for most women, and many younger women can choose to reduce or lengthen their menstrual cycle with new hormonal contraceptive regimens. Be sure to talk to your doctor to determine if HT is right for you.
- The RDA for vitamin D (400 IU) is too low for bone health and general health for most Ohioans. Aim for 800 IU daily of vitamin D.
If you have a women’s health question, call Cleveland Clinic’s free advice line. A specially trained Women's Health Nurse Advocate answers calls Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For answers to women’s health questions, call 216/444-4HER. For you!
WEB EXTRA! D is Dandy – Without adequate amounts of the “sunshine vitamin,” your health prospects are dark, indeed. Hear or download this podcast at clevelandclinic.org/podcast.
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Hormone Therapy
This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 1/1/2007
