[Hormone therapy and menopause (HT): multiple interests to consider].
In 2002, the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study was interrupted as evidence indicated that the use of hormones increased the risk of cardiovascular disease and of breast cancer. Since then scientific literature has pointed to three nuclei of interest for that issue: women, the doctor and the pharmaceutical industry. Regarding women, the following issues are emphasized: the cultural aspects of menopause, the feminist movements' struggle and the absence of enough epidemiological studies. With respect to doctors the lack of information on the safety of drugs is an important topic. Regarding the pharmaceutical industry the prevailing motivation is their economic interests.
Departamento de Epidemiologia, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro. rozenfel@ensp.fiocruz.br
Suely
S
Rozenfeld
D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause