Menopausal hormone therapy increases the risk of gallstones: Health Insurance Database in South Korea (HISK)-based cohort study Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the most effective treatments for women experiencing the symptoms of menopause, particularly vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. But its benefits go beyond just symptom management. HRT can also play a key role in improving vaginal health by alleviating dryness and discomfort, which are common complaints among women in menopause. Additionally, it helps prevent bone loss, significantly reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, which are more common after menopause. Despite its many benefits, HRT is not one-size-fits-all; it’s essential to tailor treatment based on individual health profiles, taking into account the risks like breast cancer, blood clots, and heart disease that come with prolonged use.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study examined whether menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) increases the risk of developing gallstones and gallbladder cancer. It utilized data from the Korea National Health Insurance Corporation between 2002 and 2019. Participants were divided into MHT and non-MHT groups, and MHT users were further subdivided based on the type of hormone therapy they received, including tibolone, combined estrogen plus progestin, oral estrogen alone, and topical estrogen. The primary outcomes measured were the incidence of gallstones and gallbladder cancer in these groups.
Who was studied?
The study included over 1.3 million women, with 381,711 women using MHT and 1,004,034 women in the non-MHT group. Participants were aged 40 years or older and had undergone menopause by the time of inclusion. Women who had a history of gallbladder disease, cancer, or who had undergone a cholecystectomy were excluded from the analysis. The study followed these women for an average period of 11 to 13 years to determine the risk of gallstones and gallbladder cancer associated with different types of MHT.
Most important findings
The study found that all types of MHT, including tibolone, increased the risk of gallstones, with hazard ratios (HR) ranging from 1.146 to 1.602 for different hormone therapies. The highest risk was observed in the topical estrogen group (HR: 1.602). Tibolone, which had not been extensively studied in previous research, was also found to increase the risk of gallstones. No significant increase in the risk of gallbladder cancer was observed across any hormone therapy group. Furthermore, age, obesity, and smoking were significant factors that influenced the risk of gallstones, with higher risks observed in older women, those with a higher body mass index (BMI), and current smokers.
Key implications
The findings of this large-scale cohort study suggest that all types of MHT, including tibolone and various estrogen formulations, significantly increase the risk of gallstones. This highlights the importance of considering these risks when prescribing hormone therapy, particularly for women with risk factors such as obesity or older age. While the study did not find an increased risk of gallbladder cancer associated with MHT, the relationship between sex hormones and gallbladder cancer warrants further investigation. Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing MHT, especially in women at higher risk for gallstones, and consider alternatives or closer monitoring for these patients.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the most effective treatments for women experiencing the symptoms of menopause, particularly vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. But its benefits go beyond just symptom management. HRT can also play a key role in improving vaginal health by alleviating dryness and discomfort, which are common complaints among women in menopause. Additionally, it helps prevent bone loss, significantly reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, which are more common after menopause. Despite its many benefits, HRT is not one-size-fits-all; it’s essential to tailor treatment based on individual health profiles, taking into account the risks like breast cancer, blood clots, and heart disease that come with prolonged use.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a steroid hormone primarily found in women, crucial for reproductive health, secondary sexual characteristics, and various physiological processes. It regulates menstrual cycles, supports pregnancy, and influences bone density and cardiovascular health. Dysregulation of estrogen levels can lead to various disorders and health complications.
Menopause
Menopause impacts many aspects of health, including the gut microbiome, weight management, and hormone balance. Diet, probiotics, intermittent fasting, and HRT offer effective management strategies.