HT Heart Disease RiskHormone Replacement Therapy Does Not Protect Against Heart Disease: HT Heart Disease Risk This article written by Dr. June Chen for Health and Age on February 18, 2010 informs us that medical evidence shows menopausal women on hormone replacement therapy have a slightly increased risk of congestive heart failure within the first few years of use. Hormone replacement therapy has some benefit on the heart for women who take it long-term, but most women do not, and it is not recommended. The conclusion of the medical report is as follows: "Conclusion: No suggestion of a decreased risk for CHD was found within the first 2 years of estrogen plus progestin use, including in women who initiated therapy within 10 years after menopause. A possible cardioprotective effect in these women who initiated therapy closer to menopause became apparent only after 6 years of use." She states that if a woman takes hormone replacement therapy, she should take it in the lowest dose possible and for the shortest period of time. This is the recommendation made by the North American Menopause Society and is generally accepted today. Therefore, hormone replacement therapy is not beneficial for women's heart because they are usually not on the medication long enough fot it to benefit their hearts. Conclusion My opinion on this matter-and probably yours as well- is that heart disease is not just a simple nuisance-type side effect that's slightly irritating, like a headache. Heart disease is life threatening! In the hospital we sometimes used the ridiculous and sarcastic line, "The treatment was successful, but unfortunately, the patient died." The final decision as to whether or not you should be taking hormone replacement therapy (whether natural or synthetic) should be made in consultation with your doctor and cardiologist if you have one. The lowest dose for the shortest time is usually recommended. Plus, according to this article. you shouldn't take it for long periods in the postmenopausal phase.
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