Personal Injury Law

Were You Hurt By Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

By Wayne Parsons

Doctors believed until recently that long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs such as Premarin, Depo Provera, and Prempro were safe. Here are guidelines to help you understand the risks associated with HRT treatments and criteria to know if you possibly have a claim.

Breast Cancer: Combined use of Estrogen and Progesterone, or Progestin use alone, for a period of six months or more can lead to breast cancer. In Hawaii we already know that women suffer higher rates of breast cancer because of pesticides in drinking water and indoor air. Now comes another cause escalating this tragic disease from medical treatment and drugs supposedly used for health: HRT. You must be diagnosed within 2 years of stopping HRT and there must be at least one positive hormone receptor.

Ovarian Cancer: Use of Estrogen and Progesterone together for a minimum of ten (10) years, or Estrogen alone for a minimum of five (5) years prior to diagnosis.

Heart Attack: Use of Estrogen and Progesterone together, or Progesterone use only. Heart Attack must occur (1) within the first year of taking HRT, and/or (2) during or within 30 days after elective surgery where claimant left on HRT. You must have been on HRT when heart attack occurred.

Stroke (Ischemic): Use of Estrogen and Progesterone together, Progesterone only, or Estrogen only. You must have been on HRT and less than 60 years old when the event occurred. Stroke must occur (1) within the first year of use and must not have prior hypertension, or (2) after any length of use, but during or within 30 days after an elective surgery where claimant left on HRT. Stroke must be ischemic and must have resulted in severe impairment or death.

Blood Clots: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and/or Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Use of Estrogen and Progesterone together, or Progesterone use only. Diagnosis must occur while on HRT and claimant must continue to have residual injuries/damages. You must not have pre-existing clotting problems.

Gallbladder Cancer: Use of Estrogen and Progesterone together, Progesterone only, or Estrogen only, for at least one year prior to diagnosis.

See my earlier article containing research on HRT risks: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Risks Ford Cancer, Blood Clots And Cardiac Problems

Full post as published by Honolulu Personal Injury Lawyer on April 06, 2009 (boomark / email).