Data contradicting data is the norm, and not the exception. However, in this case, it looks like it's conflicting data, but it's really not.

The HRT the American Heart Association is warning against is taken in pill form, and it's made from pregnant mares' urine. The hormone patch widely used in Europe and touted in the French study is absorbed through the skin and is made of 17-beta estradiol, a lab-made chemical twin to the estrogen found in pre-menopausal women. Torturing mares to create Premarin and Prempro (American versions of HRT) has turned out to be one of the great animal-abuse scams of all time. It's also turned out to be bad for women, who were the alleged beneficiaries of the end product. Now that women can get the same relief from hot flashes, mood swings and night sweats with lab-made drugs, there's no excuse for continued production of mare-urine drugs.

However, better and more distinct labeling is in order, because American women are thoroughly confused by the use of the same term (HRT) to describe a myriad of options. Also in the AHA's news release was this little ditty: "A recent American Heart Association survey showed that women are confused about methods to prevent heart disease including the role of aspirin, hormones and dietary supplements."

Small wonder! Stop issuing conflicting, changing and contradictory guidelines, and we'll be a lot less confused.

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Bonnie Erbe is a TV host and writes this column for Scripps Howard News Service. E-mail bonnieerbe@CompuServe.com.