HRT’s “Window of Opportunity”?

The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) just about died three years ago, when it was shown it didn’t prevent heart disease in postmenopausal women, and possibly increased the risk for breast cancer and stroke. But some controversy over these conclusions has persisted. One major criticism of the underlying studies is that the average age of the women was 64. It was suggested that women who started HRT some time after the menopause may have missed an important chance to benefit from it.

A new study described in the Journal of Women’s Health reported that women who started HRT soon after menopause reduced their risk of heart attack by 30%. The benefit was less when the delay was longer, so timing is critical.

Like other health ‘flags’ that have been raised, this one was based on analyses of data collected in an earlier study; it serves to construct a theory, which will have to be confirmed – yea or nay – in prospective studies. Controversy over the theory will persist until results of such studies are available. But the use of HRT early in menopause is becoming more common again, so it should not be difficult to find volunteers willing to participate in such studies.