Task: Explanation
Input (English): Paragraph: No mention of costs of bioidentical, transdermal, oral forms. Doesn’t actually mention outcomes for which hormone therapy is being used, other than “keep feeling good” in the last paragraph. Given the lack of quality of life data for those taking hormone therapy, this deserves attention. Story addresses competing views on harms. Story cites review by American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists that found no evidence of INCREASED efficacy or safety (not clear whether it found them to be AS effective or safe) No disease mongering Good use of multiple sources. Story notes FDA-approved non-oral forms; however, story doesn’t compare their effectiveness w/compounded forms. Story makes clear that compounded hormones are not FDA-approved. FDA-approved transdermal forms long been available Claim: Hormones given through the skin are worth a look
Output (English): This story reports on the increasingly popular–but largely untested–so-called “bioidentical” or “compounded” hormones. This well-balanced piece balances opinion with fact, quoting leading researchers, clinicians in private practice, the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, and a Wyeth spokeswoman to demonstrate the range of opinions (and dearth of hard evidence) about these products.