Some women opt to continue HT past 5 years…and more

This article was very helpful! It’s good to hear what’s working for colleagues around the nation. In my practice, I’ve encountered considerable interest in bioidentical hormones and alternatives to HT.

I was surprised that no one mentioned the estradiol vaginal tablet. Many of my patients have asked about it as an alternative to messy cream and the difficulty of inserting a ring (Estring is large!).

Kate W. Adkins, MD
Kent, Ohio

Lifestyle improvements are the best option for menopausal symptoms

The article on HT asked for feedback from readers about how we manage menopausal patients.

I see a large population of menopausal and postmenopausal women in my practice. To manage their vasomotor symptoms, I follow guidelines from the North American Menopause Society, and I work with each individual to find the best treatment—be it HT or an alternative. I also keep up with research and evidence-based guidelines and share the findings and recommendations with my patients. I believe lifestyle improvement is the best therapy, because half of my patients will eventually die of cardiovascular disease.

Stephanie Van Zandt, MD
Clearwater, Fla

“WHERE HAVE ALL THE YOUNG MEN GONE? NOT TO OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY”
LOUIS WEINSTEIN, MD (JANUARY 2011)

History of women in ObGyn is not that old

I almost fell on the ground laughing when I read the comments about gender disparity in Dr. Weinstein’s column and the allegations of sexism in the letters published in response to that column (April and June issues of OBG Management). When I started my training 34 years ago, I was a member of only the third class to allow women, by mandate of the federal government! We were breaking through. It was extremely difficult.

Although I sympathize with any male physicians who have been subject to sexism, I can honestly say that my own gender has worked against me most of the time, as evidenced by a lack of mentorship and other opportunities through the years.

Charlotte Richards, MD
Boston, Mass

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