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New Study: Early HRT Cuts Heart Risk 22%
16 Sep
Summary
- Starting hormone therapy in perimenopause may reduce cardiovascular risk by 22%.
- The protective effect is strongest within 10 years of menopause onset.
- Black women saw the greatest risk reduction, up to 49%.
Previous research indicates that women face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease after menopause, linked to declining estrogen and other metabolic changes. A new study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed 20 years of data from over 2,700 women.
This analysis revealed that initiating hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during perimenopause or early postmenopause correlated with a 22% decrease in cardiovascular disease risk. The protective benefits were most significant for those starting HRT within a decade of menopause onset, showing a 27% reduction in risk.
Furthermore, the study found a pronounced effect among Black women, who experienced a 49% lower cardiovascular disease risk. While these findings are promising, researchers caution that further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results due to the observational nature of the study.
Experts suggest that the timing of HRT initiation may be crucial for cardiovascular benefits. Vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes, common during menopause, have been associated with increased future cardiovascular events and unfavorable metabolic profiles. Women experiencing severe symptoms are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals about personalized treatment strategies, including hormone therapy.
