A note about hormone replacement therapy and heart disease risk

For many years, research based on observation showed that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might reduce the risk of heart disease in women. It now appears that these findings were likely due to the lifestyles of women who take HRT and not the medical benefits of HRT itself.

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More recent studies of women, such as the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS) and the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) concluded that overall health risks exceed the benefits provided by HRT. Women who participated in the WHI showed an increased risk for breast cancer, CAD (including nonfatal heart attacks), stroke, blood clots, and gall bladder disease. Based on the results of these studies, women who already have heart disease should not take HRT.

There are other risks and benefits from HRT. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of HRT with your own doctor before making a decision. For more information, see http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/women/pht_facts.htm.