HRT could raise odds for asthma

[2greys]

Millions of women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to ease their transition through menopause may be unknowingly upping their risk for asthma.

The concern follows a study that spent more than two decades tracking a potential link between HRT and late-onset asthma among roughly 380,000 Danish women.

Two New York City physicians who were not involved in the study said the finding of a possible link between HRT and asthma risk had not previously been on their radar. While most clinicians and many patients are aware HRT can increase the risk of heart attack and breast cancer, ob-gyn Dr. Jennifer Wu predicted many will be surprised by the new findings.

"It is not well known amongst clinicians that a possible side effect of HRT is new-onset asthma," said Wu, of Lenox Hill Hospital. "This additional risk needs to be a factor in discussions about starting hormone replacement."

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Chest Journal. Study Paper:

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[Tugun]

Interesting.

So if taking HRT can bring on asthma then what link do hormones have with asthma and how does that link affect the the lungs?

[Ergendl]

That's interesting. I took HRT from the age of 43 after an early menopause, to prevent losing a third of my bone density by the age of 70. Although it was stopped about 10 years later after a good dexa scan, I have developed late onset asthma. I still think HRT was the right thing to do, though, as my mum had problems with osteoporosis and fractures.

[doddsie in reply to Ergendl]

Hello, very interesting to read your post. I took HRT for 10 years, started age 39, like yourself to combat possible osteoporosis. I also developed late on-set asthma. Makes you wonder how many other people have similar problem. Thanks for posting and take care.

[anng18]

Hi 2greys,

I asked the doctor for a very mild HRT. When I suggested it was affecting my breathing, they said no, impossible! It actually states that it can worsen asthma. I stopped taking it, after about 6 months and some of the breathlessness went.

Hard to tell with me, but there is an association between lung deterioration and the decline of oestrogen during the menopause. So it is puzzling as to why HRT could contribute towards asthmatic symptoms, but in my case, it did.