Can menopausal hormone therapy prevent coronary heart disease?
Brinton EA, Hodis HN, Merriam GR, Harman SM, Naftolin F.
Cardiovascular Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA. eliot.brinton@utah.edu
Observational studies show that women who take menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) have a greatly reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). But in some large randomized controlled trials, MHT failed to decrease CHD and so has been deemed inappropriate for long-term prophylaxis against atherosclerosis or other chronic diseases associated with the menopause. Despite the apparent strength of this conclusion, several recent reports suggest that MHT could be atheroprotective when started close to the menopause, and effects of early discontinuation of MHT have never been studied in randomized trials. Here, we examine these reports and highlight existing uncertainty regarding the effects of long-term continuation versus early discontinuation of early-start MHT on atherosclerosis and CHD risk. We call for new research on this question, and an evidence-based review of existing recommendations for MHT.
Please click on the required question.
- 1 HRT help me with the psychological difficulties that I am experiencing around?
- 2 HRT help my mental ability?
- 3 Can HRT reduce my chance of developing heart disease?
- 4 How does HRT protect against coronary heart disease?
- 5 If I am at particular risk of heart disease, can HRT still help?
- 6 Do progestogens taken in combination with oestrogen replacement therapy have an adverse effect on heart protection?
- 7 How long should HRT be taken to reduce the risk of heart disease?
- 8 Is there any evidence that HRT will protect my bones?
- 9 Would the dose (strength) of my HRT influence its ability to protect my bones?
- 10 Are there other treatments apart from HRT for osteoporosis?
- 11 Would HRT help my skin?
- 12 Can hormone replacement therapy cure all my menopausal symptoms?
- 13 How prevalent is cancer of the breast?
- 14 What factors influence the chance of breast cancer developing?
- 15 What is the relationship between HRT and breast cancer?
- 16 I have benign breast disease. Can I take HRT?
- 17 Does a history of breast cancer mean that HRT is absolutely contraindicated?
- 18 If I started HRT early (aged 30 to 45), does this influence my chance of developing breast cancer?
- 19 Does hormone replacement therapy increase the risks of cancer of the womb?
- 20 I have had endometrial cancer and now have menopausal problems. Can I take HRT?
- 21 Does HRT have a relationship to ovarian cancer?
- 22 How does HRT relate to a blood clot (DVT - deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)?
- 23 I have varicose veins. Can I take HRT?
- 24 Should HRT be discontinued before I have a major operation or leg surgery?
- 25 Does HRT increase life-expectancy?
- 26 I am still seeing periods. Could HRT have any benefits for me?
- 27 I have been told that I have fibroids. Can I take HRT?
- 28 What happens if I decide not to take HRT?
- 29 Doctors seem to promote HRT but the media cause me anxiety. Who is right?
- 30 Support Groups.
