Risks and Benefits of Estrogen Plus Progestin in Healthy Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

In healthy postmenopausal women with a uterus, the unfavorable risk-benefit profile for combined estrogen plus progestin therapy makes this therapy a nonviable intervention for primary prevention of chronic disease. This study (part of the Women’s Health Initiative) evaluates hormone therapy in postmenopausal women. Patients are randomized to either combination therapy or to a placebo. The study concluded that risks of hormone therapy (including breast cancer and cardiovascular disease) outweighed the benefits of therapy, including a reduction of fractures. It is appropriate to initiate hormone therapy for women with bothersome vasomotor symptoms who are within 10 years of menopause and are healthy.¹