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Postmenopausal Hormone Therapies Linked to Higher Risk for GERD
Postmenopausal women who use hormone therapies may be at increased risk for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, according to a case-control study in Archives of Internal Medicine.
Using data from the Nurses' Health Study, researchers identified some 12,000 postmenopausal women experiencing GERD symptoms at least weekly and roughly 40,000 controls without symptoms.
After adjustment for BMI, age, and other potential confounders, the risk for GERD was significantly elevated with past hormone use (odds ratio, 1.46), current use of estrogen only (OR, 1.66), and current use of estrogen plus progesterone (OR, 1.41), compared with never use. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (e.g., raloxifene) and over-the-counter hormone preparations were also associated with GERD.
The researchers conclude that women seeking treatment for menopause-related symptoms, as well as breast cancer and osteoporosis prevention, "should be counseled about the potential for symptoms of GERD associated with hormone therapies."
LINK(S):
Archives of Internal Medicine article (Free abstract; full text requires subscription)
Journal Watch General Medicine coverage of 2003 study showing link between estrogen and GERD (Your Journal Watch registration required)
Published in Physician's First Watch September 9, 2008
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