Hormone therapy use for hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women linked to lower cardiovascular risk
A study led by Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Pittsburgh provides pivotal insights into one of the most debated questions in women's health: How does hormone therapy for menopause symptoms affect cardiovascular disease risk when used in peri- or early postmenopause?
A Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Pittsburgh study has found that hormone therapy for menopause symptoms in peri- or early postmenopausal women may lower cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers analyzed 20 years of data from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) and discovered that women who began hormone therapy during these stages had a 22% reduced risk of heart disease events compared to non-users.
The protective effect was strongest among Black women and those who started therapy within 10 years of menopause onset. However, the study does not support using hormone therapy for cardiovascular disease prevention, as potential benefits must be weighed against risks such as increased breast cancer risk with longer duration of use.
The findings, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, highlight the importance of timing when initiating hormone therapy during the menopause transition, but should not guide clinical practice due to the study's observational nature.
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