What is the effect of hormone replacement therapy on the risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women?
Studies have found that hormone replacement therapy can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. The Postmenopausal Estrogen/ Progestin Interventions (PEPI) Trial found that postmenopausal women who received estrogen or estrogen/progestin regimens had a lower risk of coronary heart disease than those who did not receive hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS) found that hormone replacement therapy reduced the risk of coronary heart disease by 30-40% in the first four years of the study. Other studies, such as the Nurses’ Health Study, have found similar results. However, hormone replacement therapy is not without risks, and it should only be used in consultation with a doctor.