WHI and aftermath: looking beyond the figures.
In contrast to the preliminary results of the WHI conjugated equine estrogen plus medroxyprogesterone acetate arm published 2 years ago, the final results from that arm as well as preliminary data from the conjugated equine estrogen-only arm showed that the panic over hormone treatment for menopausal women was unjustified. Moreover, the data for women younger than 60-years-old was even more reassuring. WHI was a study on elderly women starting hormones under the assumption that it may confer cardioprotection. The results of WHI should not be generalized and should not be a reason to withhold hormones in symptomatic perimenopausal or early post-menopausal women who could benefit from that therapy.
Pines
Amos
A
Department of Medicine T, Ichilov Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, and the Menopause Clinic, Ramat-Marpe, Ramat-Gan, 6 Weizman Street, Tel-Aviv 64239, Israel. apines@netvision.net.il
D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016387:Women's Health