Length of menopausal hormone replacement therapy:
The benefits of combination estrogen and progesterone hormone therapy started early during the course of menopause or in cases of premature menopause, include a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, mortality, bone density loss, and possibly dementia. However, the risk of breast cancer increases after continuing hormone therapy after 3-5 years, and therefore it should not be used for more than up to 5 years. (14)
The KEEPs Study: Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study
This study used transdermal estrodial (Climara and other brands) which is synthesized from a chemical in yams and soy as well as micronized progesterone (marketed under the prescription drug name Prometrium) which is synthesized from Mexican yams.