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Postmenopausal hormones and coronary heart disease
J W Rich-Edwards1, C H Hennekens
1Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Current Opinion in Cardiology
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Postmenopausal hormone therapy may reduce coronary heart disease risk but carries potential risks like endometrial cancer. Further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks for women
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Endocrinology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Postmenopausal hormone therapy (PHT) is associated with reduced coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, a leading cause of mortality in women.
- PHT offers potential benefits for osteoporosis, stroke, colon cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
- However, PHT also presents risks, including endometrial cancer and potentially breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the benefits and risks associated with postmenopausal hormone therapy.
- To highlight the need for definitive data on the overall risk-benefit profile of PHT.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing observational studies on postmenopausal hormone therapy.
- Identification of clear and potential benefits and risks.
- Emphasis on the limitations of observational data.
Main Results:
- Observational data suggest PHT reduces CHD risk.
- Clear benefits include osteoporosis prevention; potential benefits include reduced risk of stroke, colon cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
- Clear risks include endometrial cancer; potential risks include breast cancer.
Conclusions:
- Women and healthcare providers must carefully weigh the known and potential benefits against the risks of PHT.
- Current data from observational studies are insufficient to definitively establish the overall risk-benefit balance.
- Results from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomized clinical trial are crucial for reliable information on PHT's risk-benefit profile.