BHT beyond Oprah

In response to the confusion generated from the "Oprah" TV show surrounding the use of custom-compounded bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) for treatment of menopause-related symptoms, we have enhanced the BHT information on the NAMS Web site. Don't miss "Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: What's the Harm?" by Bruce Patsner, MD, JD. As he points out, "This is really the $64,000 question, and it's also the big elephant in the room."

NAMS covers all the bases: live, Web, print
As the culmination of our series entitled "Dialogues in Menopause Management: Facilitating Counseling About Hormone Therapy," Menopause Management will feature cases first presented live through Primary Care Network and on the Web through MedscapeCME In
the Mar/Apr issue, Drs. Holly Thacker and Cynthia Stuenkel discuss
cases presenting with vaginal atrophy and severe vasomotor symptoms, respectively. Two more cases will appear in the May/June issue.

Another reason to attend
"We're pleased to announce that
Julia R. Heiman, PhD, a leader in the field of sex research, is confirmed as the Wyeth/Wulf H. Utian Endowed speaker," said
Leon Speroff, MD, Chair of the NAMS Scientific Program Committee.
"Her lecture will focus on the science of sexuality through menopause and beyond." This is just one more reason to attend the NAMS Annual Meeting, convening September 30-October 3 at the spectacular Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, CA.

Meet the "Menopause Practitioner of the Year"
It is our pleasure to introduce Sally Payette, RN, from Ottawa, ON, Canada. Ms. Payette is the first recipient
of the NAMS Menopause Practitioner of the Year,
presented at the 2008 Annual Meeting in Orlando. Learn more about what the Menopause Practitioner credential means to her in a recent interview.

Last chance for the May exam
NAMS encourages all members who are licensed healthcare professionals to earn this prestigious certification. The 100-item multiple-choice competency examination will be held in 12 US cities and Toronto, Canada, on May 16. The late application deadline is
April 11.

Can't make the May 16 test date? Apply for the exam being held just
prior to the NAMS Annual Meeting in San Diego on September 30.

Let NAMS help you help your patients
Whether your patient's question is about perimenopausal contraception, hormone therapy, surgical menopause, nondrug remedies for hot flashes, preventing osteoporosis, or more, you can reinforce your counseling by sending her to the NAMS Web site. Check out this helpful menopause Q&A feature in the Consumer Community.

Supporting women's health through NAMS
The 2009 NAMS Annual Fund campaign rolls out
in March. Look for our Annual Fund letter in the
mail, or make a gift online. Your contribution is
more important than ever in these challenging
times -- a gift of any size will make a difference.
Thank you!

NAMS Spotlight on New Therapies
By popular request, NAMS provides ongoing
information regarding new therapeutic options in menopause management. Note, however, that this
mention does not imply endorsement. Click to see
this month's highlights.