Hormone Replacement Therapy in Women

Outcomes of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trial (1):

A large group of post-menopausal women in good overall general health between the ages of 50 and 79 years were treated with conjugated estrogens 0.625 mg/day, conjugated estrogens 0.625 mg/day plus medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg/day, or placebo. This trial was discontinued after 5.2 years when women were found to have a higher risk of adverse effects of hormone therapy compared to placebo.

Outcomes of estrogen and progestin compared to placebo in the WHI:

Higher rates of stroke, heart attack, breast cancer, and thromboembolism (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) were associated with use of estrogen and progestin compared to placebo. Those over 65 years of age on hormones experienced less fractures, lower risk of endometrial cancer, and lower risk of colon cancer. There was no improvement in cognitive impairment, and there was an increase in risk of dementia in women 65 years of age or older.