Estrogen Increases Heart Risk
Preliminary information obtained from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) trial indicates that women who use estrogen may face a slightly higher risk of heart attacks and strokes over women who do not use estrogen. This study will continue through 2005, and researchers emphasize that the results could change by then.
In an April 3, 2000 statement Claude Lenfant, M.D., NHLBI Director said that letters were mailed to more than 27,000 women, aged 50-79, who are enrolled in the HRT component of the WHI. The purpose of this study is to study the effects of HRT on heart disease, osteoporosis-related bone fractures, and breast and endometrial cancer. This trial enables scientists to assess both the benefits and risks of HRT.
The letter updates information that WHI investigators gave to trial participants during the informed consent process at the study's beginning, and is part of a series of updates provided to participants as new data becomes available. Women were informed that the participants who were taking estrogen were experiencing slightly more heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in the lungs than the women who were taking placebos. Researchers stressed that less than 1% of the women taking estrogen had experienced heart attacks, strokes, or blood clots during the first two years of the study.
For years women have believed that estrogen lowers the risk of heart disease; however according to the Women's Health Initiative's fact sheet on the HRT study, "No study has ever proven that HRT will reduce heart attacks. Several studies have been conducted on the effect of HRT and heart disease which have suggested that HRT decreases heart disease risk of heart disease risk factors such as LDL levels. However, these studies were mostly observational studies where women themselves, or their physicians, chose HRT and were followed over time. Such studies are not reliable. They were not controlled enough to offer definitive answers."
Does this news mean women should stop taking estrogen? Probably not. Dr. Lenfant said this information from WHI is considered preliminary, and it does not address the larger issue of long-term benefits and risks of HRT. It should not be used to influence current medical practice.
This news is just one more question for women trying to determine the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy. As always, each woman should carefully weigh the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy for menopause and consider her personal risk factors, and together with her physician determine the treatment plan that will offer her the most benefits.
The Women's Health Initiative is one of the largest prevention studies ever conducted in the United States. WHI focuses on strategies for preventing heart disease, breast and colorectal cancer, and osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. The initiative involves over 161, 000 women. The final results from WHI are expected in 2005.
In an April 3, 2000 statement Claude Lenfant, M.D., NHLBI Director said that letters were mailed to more than 27,000 women, aged 50-79, who are enrolled in the HRT component of the WHI. The purpose of this study is to study the effects of HRT on heart disease, osteoporosis-related bone fractures, and breast and endometrial cancer. This trial enables scientists to assess both the benefits and risks of HRT.
The letter updates information that WHI investigators gave to trial participants during the informed consent process at the study's beginning, and is part of a series of updates provided to participants as new data becomes available. Women were informed that the participants who were taking estrogen were experiencing slightly more heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in the lungs than the women who were taking placebos. Researchers stressed that less than 1% of the women taking estrogen had experienced heart attacks, strokes, or blood clots during the first two years of the study.
For years women have believed that estrogen lowers the risk of heart disease; however according to the Women's Health Initiative's fact sheet on the HRT study, "No study has ever proven that HRT will reduce heart attacks. Several studies have been conducted on the effect of HRT and heart disease which have suggested that HRT decreases heart disease risk of heart disease risk factors such as LDL levels. However, these studies were mostly observational studies where women themselves, or their physicians, chose HRT and were followed over time. Such studies are not reliable. They were not controlled enough to offer definitive answers."
Does this news mean women should stop taking estrogen? Probably not. Dr. Lenfant said this information from WHI is considered preliminary, and it does not address the larger issue of long-term benefits and risks of HRT. It should not be used to influence current medical practice.
This news is just one more question for women trying to determine the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy. As always, each woman should carefully weigh the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy for menopause and consider her personal risk factors, and together with her physician determine the treatment plan that will offer her the most benefits.
The Women's Health Initiative is one of the largest prevention studies ever conducted in the United States. WHI focuses on strategies for preventing heart disease, breast and colorectal cancer, and osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. The initiative involves over 161, 000 women. The final results from WHI are expected in 2005.
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