Can HT prevent heart disease?
Results from the WHI study revealed that the overall rate of heart disease events in postmenopausal women with established heart disease on estrogen-progestin or estrogen alone was not reduced. The results showed that the therapy actually increased the risk of heart disease in the women on combination therapy. A newer study, published in the January/February 2006 issue of The Journal of Women’s Health showed that the risk of heart disease demonstrated in the WHI may be related more to the advanced age of the participants as opposed to the HT. The study also found that HT given to younger women, at the onset of menopause, appeared to decrease the risk of heart disease. More studies are underway to investigate the relationship between HT and heart disease. Based on the WHI study results, should I stop taking HT? It’s important that you do not make any abrupt changes to your HT without consulting your doctor. He or she can discuss with you the benefits and risks of HT based on your indivi
