Article discusses the HRT: The hormonal hot potato

MONTREAL - For many women, menopause is a bittersweet rite of passage that can become downright unpleasant. They may be tormented for years by hot flashes, drenching sweats, and migraines, all prompted by this major physiological change. The symptoms can be reduced by a treatment that replenishes the body's waning supply of the hormone estrogen, but conflicting opinions still swirl around the long-term safety of such therapy.

Toronto-based writer Marcia Kaye has put the pros and cons of this treatment option into a much clearer focus with an article that has made her this year's winner of the sanofi pasteur Medal For Excellence In Health Research Journalism. "The truth about estrogen," published in the December 2008 issue of More, sorts through the complex and sometimes contradictory literature surrounding hormone replacement. Readers can gain a complete understanding of the subject, as well as learning about the latest Canadian contributions to the field.

"We congratulate Ms. Kaye on this achievement," says CHR president, Patricia Guyda. "She has done an excellent job of summarizing the current understanding of hormonal treatment and revealed how research directly impacts practicing procedures of physicians. She has demonstrated how good journalism can inform the public and raise their awareness."

Ms. Kaye's work was the unanimous and enthusiastic choice of a panel of scientists and writers that judged the winning entry. They viewed her article as outstanding in its balance of research findings and personal perspectives. The judges also praised other submissions to this annual competition, noting in particular the quality of John Hoffman's article, "Autism now", which was published in Today's Parent.

CHR launched the sanofi pasteur Medal in 1995, and administers the selection process. Sponsored by sanofi pasteur, Canada's premier vaccine company, the inaugural medal recipient was Globe and Mail science reporter Stephen Strauss for his longstanding contribution to promoting public awareness of science. Other recent awardees include Michael Smith from University Affairs, Peggy Curran from the Montreal Gazette, Mark Witten from Canadian Living.

"As a company that is built on nearly a century of science, sanofi pasteur is pleased to be associated with this prestigious award that recognizes excellence in science journalism," says Nancy Simpson, Director, Communications at sanofi pasteur Canada.

Dr. Luis Barreto, Vice President Public, Scientific and Medical Affairs, Sanofi Pasteur Limited, will present the award to Ms. Kaye on May 23 during the Canadian Science Writers' Association annual general meeting in Sudbury, Ontario. Ms. Kaye will receive a commemorative medal and a $2,500 bursary.