Women who take hormone replacement therapy as soon as estrogen levels start to drop may stand a better chance of avoiding heart disease, according to a new review.

Whether or not hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can prevent heart disease is controversial. Some studies show that women can benefit, others that they may be harmed by HRT.

Researchers at Wake Forest University have reviewed a number of studies on HRT and heart disease. This included the Women's Health Initiative Study (WHI), which showed an increased risk of heart attack in women on HRT. At Wake Forest, studies on postmenopausal monkeys suggests that if HRT is given early, just as estrogen levels start to drop, heart disease may be prevented.

The researchers conclude that timing seems to be all, when it comes to administering HRT. In the WHI study, women were 63 or older and already had heart disease. HRT may be most useful if it is given early on, to women who have not yet developed heart disease.

Source

Menopausal Medicine Winter 2002/3