For Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Stroke Risk, Timing Makes a Difference

New NHS results corroborate previous findings about HT and stroke risk while providing reassurance for young menopausal women using HT for fewer than 5 years.

Previous results from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS; Ann Intern Med 2000; 133:933) and the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI; JAMA 2003; 289:2673 and Circulation 2006; 113:2425) have shown that menopausal hormone therapy is associated with a 30% to 40% higher risk for stroke. In a new NHS analysis of data from questionnaires completed in 2004, investigators evaluated timing of HT initiation, duration of use, and estrogen dose as factors in determining risk for various types of stroke. Because vasomotor symptoms are most likely to be bothersome in young menopausal women and to diminish over time, for the analysis of HT duration, the authors focused on women who were within 4 years of menopause or were younger than 55.

Current use of estrogen-alo…

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

For Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Stroke Risk, Timing Makes a Difference

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Reviewing Author