Q: I've been hearing about a vaccine that can decrease the risk for getting cervical cancer. Can you tell me more about it?
A: There are currently two vaccines available (Cervarix and Gardisil) that decrease the risk of cervical cancer caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus). There are 100+ types of HPV and 30+ types of HPV that can affect the genital area. HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cervical cancer and HPV types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital warts. HPV is transmitted by any kind of sexual activity that involves skin to skin contact with the genital area (not just sexual intercourse). Getting the vaccine does not treat a current HPV infection and should not replace cervical cancer screening (such as pap smears). It is also still important to practice safe sexual practices as vaccines may not fully protect everyone and do not protect against non-vaccine HPV types or other STDs.
Gardisil is a quadrivalent vaccine that covers four HPV types (6, 11, 16 and 18) and Cervarix is a bivalent vaccine that covers two HPV types (16 and 18). The vaccines are approved for administration between the ages of 9 and 26 (Gardisil) and 10 to 25 (Cervarix). The vaccines are administered in a three shot series over six months. The vaccine should not be administered to women who are pregnant. Common side effects include pain, redness or swelling at injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. For more information on Cervarix visit www.cervarix.com and Gardisil visit www.gardisil.com.
I hope this helps!
Thanks,
~Lisa
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Risks of hormone therapy
Q: I am 50 years old and stopped having periods about eight months ago. I saw my family doctor and he did blood tests and said I am menopausal. I have been having a lot of the symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, insomnia and terrible mood swings. I worry about the bad things I hear about hormones and wonder if they are still being recommended. What are the pros and cons of taking hormones?
A: Hormones are the most effective way of relieving menopausal symptoms, but there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether hormone therapy (HT) is the right choice for you.
According to the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study taking combine oral HT (estrogen and progesterone) slightly increases your risk for heart attack (7 more per 10,000 women per year), stroke (8 more per 10,000 women per year), blood clots (18 more per 10,000 women per year) and breast cancer (8 more per 10,000). The benefits include fewer cases of colorectal cancer (6 fewer per 10,000 women per year) and hip fractures (5 fewer per 10,000 women per year).
Having your health care provider review your personal and family history for additional risk factors is important prior to starting HT.
The biggest motivation for taking hormone therapy is moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) because they can be so debilitating and don't always respond well to other treatments. If you and your health care provider choose HT for you, it is recommended you use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time possible.
Many of the other menopausal symptoms can be effectively relieved with medication (or lifestyle modification) with fewer risks than HT. For example a menopausal woman who is only experiencing mood changes might do well with increasing exercise, getting adequate rest, and taking supplements and/or prescription medication to treat mood disorders and avoid HT.
There are many options for the route of administration of hormone therapy (HT). Hormones come in the form of a pill, cream, gel, shot, troche or patch. Some hormones are synthetic and others are bioidentical (or bioequivalent). The risks/benefits may vary slightly according to the route of administration and manufacturing or compounding process but none are without potential risks.
There are a number of over the counter supplements (such as Black Cohosh, Wild Yam and Dong Quai) that may relieve menopausal symptoms to some degree also.
I would recommend you schedule a visit with your health care provider to discuss treatment options for managing your menopausal symptoms.
Thanks! ~Lisa
A: Hormones are the most effective way of relieving menopausal symptoms, but there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether hormone therapy (HT) is the right choice for you.
According to the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study taking combine oral HT (estrogen and progesterone) slightly increases your risk for heart attack (7 more per 10,000 women per year), stroke (8 more per 10,000 women per year), blood clots (18 more per 10,000 women per year) and breast cancer (8 more per 10,000). The benefits include fewer cases of colorectal cancer (6 fewer per 10,000 women per year) and hip fractures (5 fewer per 10,000 women per year).
Having your health care provider review your personal and family history for additional risk factors is important prior to starting HT.
The biggest motivation for taking hormone therapy is moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) because they can be so debilitating and don't always respond well to other treatments. If you and your health care provider choose HT for you, it is recommended you use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time possible.
Many of the other menopausal symptoms can be effectively relieved with medication (or lifestyle modification) with fewer risks than HT. For example a menopausal woman who is only experiencing mood changes might do well with increasing exercise, getting adequate rest, and taking supplements and/or prescription medication to treat mood disorders and avoid HT.
There are many options for the route of administration of hormone therapy (HT). Hormones come in the form of a pill, cream, gel, shot, troche or patch. Some hormones are synthetic and others are bioidentical (or bioequivalent). The risks/benefits may vary slightly according to the route of administration and manufacturing or compounding process but none are without potential risks.
There are a number of over the counter supplements (such as Black Cohosh, Wild Yam and Dong Quai) that may relieve menopausal symptoms to some degree also.
I would recommend you schedule a visit with your health care provider to discuss treatment options for managing your menopausal symptoms.
Thanks! ~Lisa
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