Risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy: the evidence speaks.
Until recently, observational studies suggested a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporotic fractures, cognitive decline and colon cancer with the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Recent randomized controlled trials have failed to show a protective effect of HRT in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease and instead have revealed an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, invasive breast cancer and venous thromboembolism, but a decreased risk of colorectal cancer and osteoporotic fractures. In this article we review the current evidence of the risks and benefits of HRT.
Humphries
Karin H
KH
Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia and Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, BC.
Gill
Sabrina
S
D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D016387:Women's Health
D004967:Estrogens