Question

QUESTION 4 Newton et al. (2006) examined the effects of several different herbal supplements on vasomotor symptoms related to menopause (that, hot flashes and/or night sweats). Participants were randomly assigned to one of five different treatments: (1) 160 mg daily of black cobash; (2) 200 mg daily of black sohash mixed with multibotanicals: (3) the same as in treatment 2, plus counseling to emphasize avoiding soy products; (4) 0.625 mg daily of equine estrogen; (5) a lactose placebo. All 5 treatments were administered in pill form, and the study was conducted with double-blinding. As a response variable, the number of symptoms per day, after 6 months of treatment, were recorded. Below I've provided both a summary of the means and standard deviations for each group, along with the results of a one-factor ANOVA: Total Black Cobash (BC) BC+ Botanicals BC+ Botanicals + Counseling Estrogen Placebo Source of Variation Between Groups Within Groups Treatment SS 490.719 4391.572 4882.291 4 322 326 n 77 72 74 29 75 MS 122.680 13.638 Average 5.71 7.00 6.53 2.34 6.20 F 8.995 SD 3.04 3.56 3.85 4.94 3.72 P-value ​

Answer 1

The possible reasons for physicians' hesitation to recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause symptoms include the increased risks of breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other severe health issues identified in various studies, such as the Women's Health Initiative. HT is currently recommended only at low doses, for short durations, and with regular health screenings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The side effects of menopause can be significant and impact quality of life. Symptoms commonly include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and decreased bone density which can lead to osteoporosis. Hormone therapy (HT) has been used to alleviate symptoms, working by supplementing the body's estrogen and progestin levels. However, the use of HT carries risks, including an increased chance of breast cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular disease, as noted in the Women's Health Initiative study.

Due to these concerns, physicians may be hesitant to recommend HT. Current guidelines recommend it only at the onset of menopausal symptoms, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest duration possible, typically less than 5 years. Additionally, regular health screenings such as pelvic and breast exams are advised for individuals undergoing HT.