More Data on Hormone Therapy and the Timing Hypothesis

Results of an angiogram-based study reinforce the theory that HT use by recently menopausal women prevents coronary artery disease.

Recent reports (JW Womens Health Mar 31 2011 and JW Womens Health Apr 5 2011) have strengthened the hypothesis that use of hormone therapy (HT) by recently menopausal women can prevent coronary artery disease (CAD). Now, in a study of 654 women (83% white) who underwent coronary angiography for suspected cardiac ischemia, investigators assessed prevalent CAD and then followed participants for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events for a median of 6 years to evaluate associations between HT use and CAD. Overall, 20% of participants had undergone surgical menopause and 44% were current HT users (75% estrogen-only HT).

Mean age was 66 in the 167 women with CAD at baseline and 61 in the 487 women without prevalent CAD. Compared with never users, ev…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

More Data on Hormone Therapy and the Timing Hypothesis

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Reviewing Author