Hormones 2016

The risks of breast cancer
was not seen when given via injections, or through the skin. Furthermore,
a more recent review of the data (Corona et al., 2014) revealed that no link
was established between a higher risk of cardiovascular problems and the
therapy.
Prostate problems - The area of greatest concern is the data suggesting
an increased risk of prostate cancer or noncancerous enlargement of the
prostate. This was first analysed in research (Kang and H. J. Li, 2015)
which showed that testosterone replacement therapy increases the levels of
prostate-specific antigen, a marker used in the detection of prostate cancer.
However, not a single study has yet shown a clear correlation between
testosterone replacement therapy and actual prostate cancer diagnosis. It is
not fully clear the role testosterone plays in prostate cancer risk, especially
given that most men are diagnosed as they age, when testosterone levels are
naturally declining.
What is clear from the data is that more research is required. For those
considering testosterone replacement therapy, its vital that you are properly
screened for prostate cancer, both with a digital rectal examination and
blood test. Alongside this, cardiovascular health should be assessed
before making a decision as to whether the therapy is appropriate. It
has been recommended (Isidori et al., 2015) that anyone who has preexisting
prostate problems or prostate cancer should avoid taking the
therapy, and those who are deemed appropriate for starting testosterone
replacement therapy should be regularly reviewed, re-examined and have
their blood analysed to ensure their risk of developing health problems has
not increased. There are of course many natural agents which may help
to support testosterone levels without the need for hormone replacement
therapy, including zinc, vitamin E and various herbal preparations (Jeans,
2016).
The risks of breast cancer
There is a possible side-effect of some drugs, that there is an increased risk
of breast cancer. The risks to us are negligible, but, it could happen. So here
are some articles which seem relevant. The last article is very interesting, a
very large sample, over an extended period, and some unfortunate folk did
get breast cancer.
The increased risk of breast cancer due to use of oestrogens is controversial.
Several studies have suggested that long-term oestrogen therapy may be
associated with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. Meta analysis of 51
studies (epidemiological data) supports a modest risk increase associated
with long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (Kaufman, Palmer,
and Mouzon, 1991).
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Version 2016.3576– – Document LATEXed – 1st May 2016
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